NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 9 – Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has ditched President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), setting the stage for a fresh political battle with Governor Susan Kihika ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

Karanja announced on Friday, October 9, that she would seek the Nakuru governorship on the DCP ticket, ending her four-year association with the ruling party under which she was elected senator in 2022.

The move marks a significant shift in Nakuru politics, where the senator and Kihika, both elected on UDA tickets, have been locked in an increasingly public dispute over the county’s leadership.

Karanja made the announcement during a meeting in Nakuru, declaring her intention to challenge for the county’s top seat under the party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

📌 What You Need to Know

Her defection comes after months of criticism of UDA’s leadership, with the senator accusing a powerful circle around President Ruto of undermining the party’s popularity.

In July, Karanja blamed UDA’s defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on what she described as arrogance, political intimidation and the conduct of leaders close to the President.

She called on Ruto to reconstitute his inner circle, arguing that its actions were damaging his political standing and weakening the ruling party’s support.

“It’s time that the President reconstituted his inner circle as the current ones are tarnishing his name and are responsible for the loss in Ol Kalou,” she said.

Karanja also warned that some leaders were reconsidering their association with UDA ahead of the next election.

“UDA was the most popular party in the country but due to the mess caused by this small circle, many leaders don’t want to be associated with it as we head to the elections,” she said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya