Monday 07th September, 2026 10:18 AM|
Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende has warned Mount Kenya politicians against leaving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wauthende made the remarks while speaking on a local television station on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a discussion on the emerging political alliances in the Mount Kenya region.
He challenged politicians who are engaging with Gachagua while remaining in UDA to make their position clear and leave the ruling party.
“Those who are talking to Gachagua at night, please leave now, because we have 23,000 aspirants under UDA today,” Wamuthende said.
Muthende dismisses ‘Kibaki Tosha’ comparison
The Mbeere North MP also rejected comparisons between Gachagua’s current political mobilisation in Mount Kenya and the 2002 “Kibaki Tosha” declaration by Raila Odinga.
Wamuthende argued that Odinga’s political influence at the time extended beyond his traditional support base, making the 2002 declaration different from what he described as the current political activity around Gachagua.
“When Baba said Kibaki Tosha, he had supporters in the Coast. He had supporters in the North -Eastern. He had supporters even in Mount Kenya itself, even if they were a few,” he said.
He added that Odinga also had supporters in Nyanza, Western Kenya and the Rift Valley, arguing that he was speaking as a national political figure.
Muthende urged politicians to distinguish between parties and movements with a national outlook and those whose support is concentrated in particular regions.
Wamuthende challenges DCP aspirants
Muthende further criticised politicians seeking elective positions on the DCP ticket in Mount Kenya, arguing that some could be relying on the party’s political momentum rather than their own record.
“Anyone you see who is trying to vie on the DCP in Mount Kenya is just because he has nothing to offer the people, and they feel the DCP wave will propel them,” he said.
He urged politicians to remain focused on service delivery, arguing that elected leaders should demonstrate their performance to voters regardless of the popularity of their political party.
“If you want to work for people, like Wamuthende here, you stick with government,” he said.
Muthende also defended President William Ruto’s administration against criticism from opposition leaders, saying Kenyans were increasingly interested in what political formations would offer beyond calls for the president to leave office.
“Please, now tell us what are you going to do for Kenyans?” he posed.
His remarks come as political parties and leaders intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Mount Kenya emerging as a key arena for competing alliances.
Gachagua has been building his political base through the DCP, while UDA continues to mobilise aspirants and supporters ahead of the polls, setting the stage for a closely watched contest over the region’s political support.
