Gathoni Wamuchomba Declares Unwavering Loyalty to UDA
In a bold declaration that signals a potential realignment in Kenya's political landscape, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba affirmed her commitment to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during a high-level party meeting at State House on Monday. Speaking at the UDA National Governing Council (NGC) gathering chaired by President William Ruto, Wamuchomba emphasized her focus on development over politicking, stating, "I am at home here at State House and I am in UDA. Yangu ni 3 term ya rais 2 term. This year I have chosen development and hard work, we will deal with politics later."
The meeting, attended by key UDA figures including Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, governors, MPs, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), aimed to review the Kenya Kwanza administration's progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Participants also received a report on the party's recent grassroots elections, designed to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A notable outcome was the ratification of a resolution empowering President Ruto to negotiate potential cooperation agreements with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which could reshape alliances in the coming years.
Wamuchomba's appearance at the event was particularly noteworthy, coming just hours after she publicly criticized allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In pointed remarks shared earlier in the day, she accused Gachagua's supporters of staging chaos during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, to garner sympathy and possibly facilitate asylum claims abroad.
Referring to the incident at St. Peter’s African Church of Kenya (ACK) in Witima, where a teargas canister disrupted the congregation, Wamuchomba sarcastically questioned the events in Swahili: “Ndio kurudi mtaa. Ati kulienda aje huko Othaya? Simon Makonde was abducted saa ngapi? Akaachiliwa saa ngapi?” She alleged the unrest was orchestrated by individuals facing financial difficulties and fueling "hatred campaigns."
The Othaya incident, which involved vandalism of vehicles but no reported injuries, has drawn condemnation from top officials. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have vowed thorough investigations into the violence.
Wamuchomba, a vocal MP known for her outspoken views, has historically been aligned with Gachagua but appears to be distancing herself amid ongoing political tensions. Her attendance at the State House meeting alongside other former Gachagua allies, such as Juja MP George Koimburi, underscores a broader trend of UDA members reaffirming their loyalty to the party and President Ruto. This shift comes as UDA seeks to consolidate its base in the Mount Kenya region, a key voting bloc.
The NGC meeting also highlighted the inclusion of newly elected members, such as Malava MP David Ndakwa, reflecting the party's efforts to integrate fresh voices. As Kenya inches closer to the 2027 polls, such gatherings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the ruling coalition's strategy.
Wamuchomba's statement has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her pragmatism while others accuse her of political opportunism. As the year unfolds, her emphasis on "development and hard work" may set the tone for her legislative agenda, even as underlying rivalries within UDA simmer.
