NAIROBI, Kenya — Mbeere North MP Leo Wamuthende has warned Mount Kenya politicians against abandoning the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wamuthende made the remarks on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a local television interview in which he discussed the emerging political alliances and competition for influence in the Mount Kenya region.
The MP challenged politicians who he claimed were engaging with Gachagua while remaining members of UDA to make their political positions clear and leave the ruling party if they intended to join the opposition.
“Those who are talking to Gachagua at night, please leave now, because we have 23,000 aspirants under UDA today,” Wamuthende said.
His remarks come as Gachagua’s DCP seeks to expand its political presence in Mount Kenya, a region expected to play a significant role in the 2027 presidential contest.
Wamuthende rejects ‘Kibaki Tosha’ comparison
Wamuthende also rejected comparisons between Gachagua’s current mobilisation in Mount Kenya and the historic “Kibaki Tosha” declaration that helped shape the 2002 presidential election.
The phrase became associated with then opposition leader Raila Odinga’s decision to back Mwai Kibaki for president ahead of the 2002 election.
Wamuthende argued that Odinga’s political influence at the time extended well beyond his traditional support base, making the circumstances different from what he described as Gachagua’s current political mobilisation.
“When Baba said Kibaki Tosha, he had supporters in the Coast. He had supporters in the North-Eastern. He had supporters even in Mount Kenya itself, even if they were a few,” he said.
The MP added that Odinga also had supporters in Nyanza, Western Kenya and the Rift Valley, arguing that the former Prime Minister was operating as a national political figure.
Wamuthende urged politicians and voters to distinguish between political parties and movements with a genuinely national outlook and those whose support is concentrated primarily in particular regions.
MP challenges DCP aspirants
The Mbeere North legislator further criticised politicians seeking elective positions on the DCP ticket in Mount Kenya.
Wamuthende argued that some aspirants could be relying on the political momentum associated with Gachagua rather than their own record of service.
“Anyone you see who is trying to vie on the DCP in Mount Kenya is just because he has nothing to offer the people, and they feel the DCP wave will propel them,” he said.
He urged elected leaders to focus on their record and service delivery instead of relying solely on the popularity of their political parties.
“If you want to work for people, like Wamuthende here, you stick with government,” he said.
The comments reflect the growing competition between politicians seeking to retain or expand their influence in Mount Kenya as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 polls.
Wamuthende defends Ruto administration
Wamuthende also defended President William Ruto’s administration against criticism from opposition leaders.
The MP questioned whether political parties and aspiring leaders were offering voters concrete alternatives beyond calls for Ruto to leave office.
“Please, now tell us what are you going to do for Kenyans?” he posed.
His remarks appeared to challenge opposition leaders to present detailed policy proposals and explain how their political formations would address the country’s economic and social challenges.
The comments come amid an increasingly competitive political environment in which both government and opposition-aligned politicians are seeking to frame the 2027 election around their respective records and proposed agendas.
Mount Kenya emerges as key political battleground
Mount Kenya remains an important electoral bloc, making the region a major focus of political mobilisation ahead of the next General Election.
Gachagua has been building his political base through the DCP after his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while UDA continues to organise its grassroots structures and mobilise aspirants.
The competition has created growing pressure on politicians in the region to declare their political loyalties as parties prepare for nominations and coalition negotiations.
Wamuthende’s warning highlights the tension within the ruling party over politicians who may be exploring alternative political platforms while retaining their UDA membership.
At the same time, the DCP faces the challenge of translating Gachagua’s influence and political mobilisation into a broader electoral organisation capable of attracting candidates and supporters beyond his traditional base.
