EMBU, Kenya — Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has accused unnamed government officials close to President William Ruto of orchestrating a plot to oust her from her position as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairperson.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations in Embu on Sunday, the outspoken governor issued a fiery warning to individuals she claimed were holding secret night meetings in the county, allegedly to sabotage her leadership and destabilise local politics.
Without naming names, Mbarire said the officials were making trips from Nairobi under the guise of government business but were instead working behind the scenes to undermine her.
“Those officers from Nairobi who are coming to Embu to hold night meetings to fight elected leaders have no respect,” Mbarire said in a defiant address.
“They pretend to understand the political landscape in Embu more than we do. I dare you to come back to Embu again — we will deal with each other man-to-man.”
Some people within the government are now plotting against me – Cecily Mbarire.
The governor, a long-time ally of President Ruto, said the betrayal was harrowing given her vocal support for the current administration.
She claimed to have faced political hostility on the ground due to her loyalty to UDA, only to now be targeted by individuals within the very government she campaigned for.
“If there is anyone who has suffered for supporting the government, it is me. We traversed the whole of Embu asking people to back the government — now you come here to sabotage us?”
Mbarire warned that unless the interference stopped, she would not hesitate to expose those behind the alleged scheme.
“I know how to fight political battles,” she declared. “I am a leader elected by the people of Embu. You are going to respect me.”
Reaffirming her allegiance to President Ruto and the UDA party, Mbarire urged those with grievances to use internal party structures instead of undermining her through backdoor schemes.
She also rallied Embu residents to stand with her in what she portrayed as a new political onslaught.
I’m the Chairperson of UDA party, yet some people within the government are now plotting against me. Don’t take our support for Ruto for granted – Cecily Mbarire.
Her remarks come amid growing tensions within the ruling party, which has seen a wave of internal reshuffles and factionalism in recent months.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was recently replaced as UDA deputy party leader by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, after he was impeached.
Several UDA politicians have since realigned themselves with rival factions, intensifying power struggles ahead of the 2027 general election.
Mbarire, one of the few women holding top positions in the ruling party, now finds herself at the centre of that internal turbulence — and appears ready to fight to retain her political ground.
