NYERI, Kenya- Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba has joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), declaring his new political direction during a visit to DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
Karemba made the move while in the company of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who is eyeing the Embu gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
The Runyenjes legislator appeared in DCP-branded colours during the visit, publicly confirming his exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ending weeks of uncertainty over the political vehicle he would use in his re-election bid.
Karemba settles on DCP
Karemba had announced in October that he would not defend his Runyenjes seat on President William Ruto’s UDA ticket in 2027.
At the time, the MP said he would consult residents and leaders from various political parties before announcing the party he would use in the next election.
His appearance at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home now settles that question, placing him in DCP as the party intensifies its mobilisation across Mt Kenya and neighbouring regions.
Karemba was first elected Runyenjes MP on a Jubilee Party ticket in 2017 before retaining the seat under UDA in the 2022 General Election.
He currently chairs the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee.
The decision makes him the latest elected leader from the broader Mt Kenya region to move away from UDA as political alliances shift ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mukunji’s Embu governor bid
Mukunji’s presence at the meeting adds a fresh dimension to Embu County politics, where he has declared interest in succeeding Governor Cecily Mbarire.
The Manyatta MP has emerged as one of the contenders expected to feature in the 2027 Embu gubernatorial contest, and his joint appearance with Karemba at Gachagua’s residence will sharpen attention on the county’s emerging political alignments.
While Karemba is seeking to retain his Runyenjes parliamentary seat, Mukunji is building support for the governorship, setting the stage for a possible DCP-linked political arrangement in Embu.
Their visit to Wamunyoro signals that Embu leaders are increasingly becoming part of the broader political conversation around Gachagua’s DCP and its push to expand influence ahead of the election.
Pressure on UDA
Karemba’s departure is a setback for UDA in Embu, where the party secured strong support in the 2022 election.
His move comes amid similar shifts by leaders from Mt Kenya who have either joined DCP, ruled out UDA tickets or begun scouting for alternative political platforms.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha have joined DCP, while other leaders have also publicly distanced themselves from UDA as the race for party tickets begins to take shape.
Karemba’s next task will be to establish DCP’s presence in Runyenjes and persuade voters that the party offers the strongest platform for his bid to retain the seat.
