Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba has left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), adding another elected leader to the growing list of politicians shifting political camps in the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua announced Karemba’s defection on Friday, November 13, following a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence.
In a statement, the former deputy president welcomed the Embu legislator to DCP and announced plans to visit Runyenjes Constituency to introduce him to residents.
“This morning at my Wamunyoro residence, I have welcomed the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes, Hon. Eric Muchangi Karemba, to the DCP Party after Decamping from UDA,” Gachagua said.
He added that he would visit the constituency the following week to formally introduce Karemba to the electorate.
“Next week, I will travel to Runyenjes Constituency to formally present Hon. Karemba to the people of Runyenjes. DCP is the party of the present and the future,” he stated.
Karemba, who is serving his second term in the National Assembly, was elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket.
Following his defection, the MP described DCP as his new political home and identified Gachagua as his party leader.
“I have found a home, a new one. My new home is Democracy for Citizens Party, DCP. My party leader is HE Rigathi Gachagua. We will join forces to provide alternative and better leadership for our county and country Kenya,” Karemba said.
Karemba’s Defection Adds to UDA’s Political Challenges in Embu
Karemba’s departure comes amid a series of political realignments involving elected leaders from the Mt Kenya region.
The Runyenjes MP visited Gachagua alongside Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who had previously left UDA and joined DCP.
Mukunji has expressed interest in the Embu governorship in the 2027 General Election, setting up a potential contest with incumbent Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as UDA’s national chairperson.
Karemba’s move is particularly significant for Embu politics because Runyenjes is the constituency associated with Mbarire’s home area.
His departure adds another political development for UDA in a county where senior leaders have competing political interests ahead of the next general election.
Mt Kenya Leaders Who Have Left UDA for Alternative Parties
Karemba’s move follows several defections and political disagreements involving leaders from the Mt Kenya region since the fallout between Ruto and Gachagua.
The political split intensified after Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, with leaders increasingly taking different positions on their political affiliations.
Among the notable developments:
- Irungu Kang’ata: The Murang’a governor announced his departure from UDA in May.
- Chege Njuguna: The Kandara MP also left UDA and joined Gachagua’s political camp.
- Kiarie Badilisha: The Nyandarua governor left UDA on July 29.
- Gabriel Kagombe: The Gatundu South MP announced his departure on August 11, despite having voted in favour of Gachagua’s impeachment.
- Gathoni Wamuchomba: The Githunguri MP left UDA in October and has since signalled openness to reconciliation with Gachagua.
Karemba had previously indicated that he would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket in 2027. In October, he said he intended to consult constituents before choosing another political party. The Star+1
DCP’s Ol Kalou By-Election Victory Adds to Political Attention
DCP has also attracted attention following its candidate’s victory in the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The party’s candidate, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru Ngotho, secured 35,440 votes against UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes, according to results reported from the IEBC. Citizen Digital+1
The result has become part of the political discussion surrounding DCP’s growing presence in the Mt Kenya region.
Karemba’s decision now adds another elected representative to Gachagua’s party as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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