Wamuchomba, Koimburi Appearance Signals Shift in Mount Kenya Politics
Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba and Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi were among leaders who attended the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) National Governing Council (NGC) meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Monday at State House, Nairobi, in a move seen as signalling shifting political dynamics within the Mount Kenya region.
The presence of the two legislators, who have recently distanced themselves from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political camp, was widely interpreted as an indication of growing realignment within the ruling party.
Their attendance underscored President Ruto’s continued consolidation of influence in a region central to his 2027 re-election strategy.
At the centre of deliberations was a comprehensive review of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s performance under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Party leaders were briefed on progress in key sectors including energy expansion, agricultural modernization, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives.
The NGC also received a report from the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) on grassroots elections aimed at strengthening internal democratic structures from the ward level upwards.
In a significant political development, the Council ratified a resolution authorising President Ruto to begin structured negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to formalise cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during the meeting, Ruto said the strategy was aimed at securing a broader mandate and promoting inclusive governance.
“The last election we won with a margin of about 200,000 votes. This election, we want to move to a margin of two million,” Ruto said. “Leadership should not be treated as a zero-sum contest. There is enough space for all Kenyans to participate and benefit.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hailed the administration’s achievements under BETA, linking them to the broader vision for national transformation.
“We have delivered on key pillars of the agenda and we are confident that with continued focus, we will complete what remains ahead of the next election. The President has set us on a path to transform Kenya from a third-world to a first-world economy in one generation,” Kindiki said.
UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire also expressed unwavering support for Ruto’s leadership.
“We believed in you when we made you President in 2022. Today, more than ever, we believe in you. Your vision for Kenya is taking shape, and as a team, we support you 100%,” Mbarire said, praising the President’s bold decisions in advancing long-term national development.
Analysts note that the appearance of Wamuchomba and Koimburi, combined with the ODM negotiations, signals a realignment within UDA that could reshape the balance of influence in Mount Kenya as the party intensifies preparations for the next electoral cycle.
The high-level meeting brought together UDA’s top leadership, including governors, Members of Parliament from both the National Assembly and Senate, Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), and members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki and senior party official Governor Isa Timamy assisted the President in chairing the session.
