Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba Announces Exit from UDA

NAIROBI, Kenya — Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has announced that she will leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing concerns over what she described as disrespectful remarks by some leaders within the ruling party towards other Kenyan communities.

Wamuchomba made the announcement during a press address on Thursday, saying she had reached the decision after consulting voters, community leaders and members of the church.

The legislator said her conscience would not allow her to continue associating with leaders whose conduct she believes undermines respect and cohesion among Kenya's communities.

“My conscience does not allow me to dine, associate and cluster with people who have no regard for others,” Wamuchomba said.

She added that she would no longer defend, campaign for or seek an elective position through UDA.

Wamuchomba Breaks With UDA

Wamuchomba said her decision followed what she described as a period of "soul-searching" and consultations with people in her constituency and wider community.

She also said she would instead align herself with Kenyans who are speaking out against leaders whose public statements she considers divisive.

The MP specifically criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, saying she would join calls for accountability over remarks that she believes have raised concerns about relations between different communities.

Her announcement represents a significant political shift for a legislator who has previously supported President William Ruto's administration while also publicly challenging members of his government.

Previous Threat to Withdraw Support for Ruto

Wamuchomba's decision comes about a month after she threatened to withdraw her support for President Ruto unless action was taken against Duale and Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina over alleged hate speech.

On August 31, she gave the government three days to arrest the two leaders, arguing that the law was being applied selectively to political leaders accused of making remarks capable of inflaming ethnic tensions.

Wamuchomba had previously said she supported Ruto because she believed he could improve the country, but expressed growing frustration with members of his administration.

The latest announcement goes further by effectively ending her association with UDA as a political vehicle.

Dispute Over Joseph Wainaina Remarks

Wainaina has faced criticism over a video circulated online in which he was alleged to have suggested that members of the Kikuyu community who did not support Ruto's re-election should leave Uasin Gishu County.

The remarks sparked criticism amid concerns over political rhetoric and ethnic relations.

Wainaina subsequently denied advocating ethnic violence and said he had been misquoted. He maintained that every Kenyan has the right to support the presidential candidate of their choice.

The allegations against him have not been established as fact by a court.

Duale Rejects Allegations of Targeting Communities

Duale has also faced criticism over remarks involving the Somali and Kikuyu communities.

The controversy followed comments in which he used a Somali proverb while discussing the historical treatment of Somalis under previous administrations. Critics interpreted the remarks as inappropriate and potentially offensive.

Duale denied targeting or insulting any community, explaining that the reference was figurative and was not intended to demean either Somalis or Kikuyus.

Wamuchomba, however, remains critical of the CS and has said she believes leaders in public office should be held accountable for statements that could affect relations between communities.

UDA Faces Internal Political Pressure

Wamuchomba's departure comes as Kenya's political parties and alliances begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Githunguri MP has emerged as one of the more outspoken politicians from the Mount Kenya region within the current political establishment, frequently raising concerns over government policy, representation and relations between communities.

Her decision to leave UDA could therefore have implications beyond her individual political future, particularly if other leaders or grassroots supporters follow her position.

However, it remains unclear which political vehicle Wamuchomba will use ahead of the next election.

Focus on Ethnic Relations

The dispute also highlights the sensitivity surrounding political rhetoric in Kenya, where ethnic identity has historically played a major role in electoral politics.

Kenyan law prohibits hate speech and incitement to ethnic hostility, while public officials and political leaders face particular scrutiny because of the potential influence of their statements.

Wamuchomba has argued that leaders in government should not be shielded from accountability because of their political affiliation.

For now, her announcement marks a clear break with UDA and signals that she intends to take a more independent political position.

Her next political move and whether she formally joins another party or alliance is likely to attract significant attention as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 election.