KIAMBU, Kenya- Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has announced she will leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and seek re-election in 2027 on a different party ticket, accusing the ruling party and government of selective justice and double standards.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, October 8, she said she would not align herself with UDA and would let her constituents guide her choice of political outfit.
“I am going to make sure that I defend my seat using another political outfit that my people will guide me towards,” she said. She did not name the party, saying she would announce it later.
Her declaration is the latest turn in a political career shaped by party changes, outspoken interventions and shifting alliances.
Earlier this year, she said she would remain in UDA until the end of her term in 2027, rejecting calls to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
From radio to elected office
Before entering politics, Wamuchomba worked in radio production and broadcasting.
Parliament’s profile lists her as a chief producer and radio presenter at Regional Reach from 1999 to 2003, head of radio production at Royal Media Services from 2003 to 2006, and managing director of Smart Media College from 2007 to 2017.
She entered elected office in 2017, winning the Kiambu County Woman Representative seat on a Jubilee Party ticket. Five years later, she moved to UDA and won the Githunguri parliamentary seat.
Her political profile has often been defined by her willingness to challenge leaders and party positions.
During the debate over the Finance Bill 2024, she publicly opposed the measure and criticised the state’s handling of protesters, despite being a UDA lawmaker.
Dispute over double standards
The latest break with UDA follows months of complaints about what Wamuchomba describes as unequal treatment of politicians accused of making inflammatory remarks.
In August, she threatened to leave the party unless authorities acted against nominated MP Josphat Wainaina over remarks she said were inciting.
She questioned why government-aligned leaders appeared to face less scrutiny than others.
Wamuchomba’s announcement signals that she now intends to act on that threat.
Her decision also reverses her January position, when she said she would stay in UDA through the 2027 election.
She has yet to disclose which party she will use to defend the Githunguri seat.
