Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba has ruled out a UDA ticket for his 2027 bid.
The Runyenjes MP says he will consult residents and political leaders before announcing his next party within two months.
Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba rejects UDA as his platform for seeking re-election in the 2027 General Election. He says he will name his next party within two months after consulting constituents and political leaders.
Karemba announced his decision while addressing residents in Gikuuri, Runyenjes, on Sunday. However, he did not identify the party he would use to seek a third parliamentary term.
Karemba rejects UDA ticket as consultations begin
The MP said he would speak with supporters and leaders from different parties before settling on his next platform. His announcement rules out President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance ticket for his next campaign.
However, the decision does not settle where he will take his political ambitions. Karemba said the consultations would guide his choice ahead of the parliamentary contest.
He first won the Runyenjes seat on a Jubilee ticket in 2017. He then secured a second term through UDA in 2022 and currently chairs the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee.
Mt Kenya leaders seek alternative parties
Meanwhile, Karemba joins several Mt Kenya politicians who have left UDA or ruled out its ticket for 2027. Their decisions reflect changing alliances in a region central to Ruto’s 2022 presidential victory.
Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, popularly known as Chieni, announced his departure from UDA on October 17. He joined the Ufanisi Kenya Party, saying Mt Kenya needed an independent political path.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha have also joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua leads the party, known as DCP.
Similarly, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has ruled out defending her seat on a UDA ticket. Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has announced his departure from the ruling party and moved towards DCP.
Other leaders position themselves for 2027
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has also left UDA and joined the People’s Party of Kenya. He cited the need to reassess the country’s political direction before the next election.
Meanwhile, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja plans to contest the Nakuru governorship on a DCP ticket. Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has also ruled out seeking re-election through UDA, but has not formally announced another party.
The fallout between Ruto and Gachagua has contributed to competing political formations in Mt Kenya. For Karemba, the next step remains choosing a party after consulting his constituents.
