National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has ruled out joining the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying he would rather lose his Kikuyu parliamentary seat than leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Ichung’wah made the remarks on Wednesday, August 12, during an interview with NTV, as a growing number of politicians from the Mt Kenya region continue to leave UDA for DCP, which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Kikuyu MP said his loyalty to UDA was based on conviction and not political convenience.
“I can never, ever, over my dead body, join that small party. Even if that means me losing my parliamentary seat,” Ichung’wah said.
The politician remembered how he came into politics where he was part of TNA and supported former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto for the presidential posts.
According to Ichung’wah, it was due to the same political belief that saw him stay close to President Ruto when the formation of Hustler Nation and Kenya Kwanza coalition parties were taking place.
This comes amid UDA losing some of its key leaders in Mt Kenya, which has been the backbone of its emergence into power in the 2022 general election.
Among the leaders leaving the party include Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.
In addition, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has said he may not contest for his governorship post in the party. The other notable leader who has also moved to DCP is Gatundu South MP Joseph Kagombe.
Further, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has predicted that there will be other UDA defections soon before 2027 General Election in Mt Kenya.
Despite the departures, Ichung’wah said the Kenya Kwanza administration was not worried about the movement of politicians from UDA.
He pointed to the broad-based government arrangement as the main strength of the administration, saying it would help President Ruto’s camp retain power in 2027.
“We are not worried about those decamping from UDA to DCP. We have a very solid formation in the broad-based government and are very confident that we will win the 2027 General Election,” he said.
The growing movement of leaders to DCP has placed Mt Kenya at the centre of early political realignments, with both sides seeking to strengthen their support ahead of the 2027 polls.
