Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina has ditched President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Ufanisi Kenya Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wainaina announced his decision on Saturday, October 17, during a meeting in Kieni, Nyeri County, saying he wanted the region to chart its own political path.
The MP, who was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, said his new political vehicle would represent the interests of Kieni residents while remaining open to Kenyans from other parts of the country.
“Because of the grace of God, and because we have severally been reminded that we went to a wedding with someone else’s vehicle, I have formed my 504. It will carry all the residents of Kieni. This is Ufanisi Kenya Party,” Wainaina said.
He added, “Kieni can also produce good things.”
Wainaina also described himself as the second known party leader from Nyeri County after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
“I am the second known party leader in Nyeri County after Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
The legislator, however, maintained that Ufanisi Kenya Party was not restricted to Nyeri County, saying it was a national party open to leaders and voters from across the country.
His departure comes amid political realignments in the Mt Kenya region as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other politicians who have distanced themselves from UDA include Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who announced that she would not defend her seat on the ruling party’s ticket, and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who has said he would contest the next election on a political platform preferred by his electorate.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has also publicly distanced himself from UDA, while Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha left the ruling party and joined Gachagua’s DCP.
The developments point to growing competition among political parties seeking support in Mt Kenya, a region that backed Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
Wainaina’s move now adds Ufanisi Kenya Party to the list of political vehicles seeking to establish a foothold in the region ahead of the next polls.
