NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Cabinet Secretary and Chama cha Kazi (CCK) party leader Moses Kuria has triggered fresh political debate after formally registering to contest the Gatundu South parliamentary seat on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kuria confirmed the move late Sunday night, February 1, 2026, after sharing screenshots on his social media platforms showing his successful registration as a UDA parliamentary aspirant.
The documents indicate that he paid the required Sh5,000 registration fee to join the ruling party’s Aspirants’ Forum.
The decision has drawn wide attention across the political divide, given that Kuria is the founder and current leader of CCK, a party that has continued to field candidates under its own banner, most recently during the November 27, 2025, Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.
“I’ve registered as an aspirant to vie for Gatundu South MP on UDA ticket,” Kuria wrote, without elaborating on how the move aligns with his leadership of CCK.
Shortly after confirming his registration, the former Gatundu South MP shared a 2027 UDA campaign poster bearing his name, constituency and campaign slogan, further fuelling speculation about his political direction ahead of the next election cycle.
UDA deadline pressure
Kuria’s announcement came just hours before the deadline set by UDA for aspirants seeking to contest various elective seats in 2027.
In a notice issued on January 29, 2026, UDA National Elections Board (NEB) chairperson Anthony Mwaura said all interested and qualified party members were required to complete their registration by Monday, February 2, at 11:59 p.m.
The ruling party also announced that a UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. at State House, Nairobi.
Aspirants attending the forum will be required to present their National Identity Cards for verification.
“All duly registered aspirants are invited to attend the UDA Aspirants’ Forum meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, at 8.00 a.m., at State House, Nairobi,” the notice stated.
Political calculations
Kuria, a seasoned politician and former senior economic advisor to President William Ruto, has maintained close ties with the Head of State despite stepping down from his advisory role in 2025.
He has also served in key Cabinet positions since the Kenya Kwanza administration took office in 2022.
Political observers view his decision to seek the Gatundu South seat on a UDA ticket as a strategic move aimed at consolidating support in Mt Kenya, a region where the ruling party continues to enjoy significant influence.
However, the move has also revived criticism over the relevance of smaller political parties, with some commentators questioning why party leaders retain their outfits while seeking tickets from dominant parties during elections.
As the 2027 race begins to take shape, Kuria’s latest political gamble is expected to keep both allies and critics closely watching his next steps.
