Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has announced her departure from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring that she will contest the 2027 gubernatorial election on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
Karanja made the announcement on Friday, October 9, while addressing a forum in Nakuru County, where she criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over what she described as its failure to meet Kenyans’ expectations.
The senator said she had listened to residents and supporters who had urged her to seek the county’s top seat, adding that their views had influenced her decision to join the opposition party.
“I know very well that you people are my employers. You are my bosses. Even if I went to the Senate, my party leader knows very well who employed me. It is you people who employed me,” Karanja said.
She signalled her move to DCP by pointing to her green outfit and accessories, saying she would now pursue the governorship under the party.
“You can see I have today dressed in green. My clothes and even my ring are all green, and from today I will vie for that seat under DCP,” she declared.
Karanja Criticises Ruto’s Administration
The senator accused the government of falling short of the expectations of Kenyans who voted for it in the 2022 General Election.
“I want to tell my party leader that I have heard the ground, and people have told me that they had a lot of expectations from this administration. They woke up early to elect this government, but unfortunately they did not meet their expectations,” she said.
Karanja also questioned the President’s understanding of the economic pressures facing ordinary households, citing the rising cost of milk as an example.
“I can see that our president does not understand the needs of the people. The president does not see ahead. Recently I went to the supermarket and found the prices of milk have risen. It is very shameful for Kenya to lack milk,” she added.
Her remarks mark a shift in her political alignment as parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
From UDA Senator to DCP Gubernatorial Aspirant
Karanja joined UDA in January 2022 and won the Nakuru senatorial seat under the party in the August 2022 General Election.
Her announcement comes a day after Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba said she was leaving UDA and would no longer seek an elective seat or campaign for the ruling party.
Wamuchomba attributed her decision to what she described as a lack of respect for other communities among some UDA leaders. She particularly criticised Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over remarks she said targeted the Mount Kenya community.
The two announcements come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls, as leaders reassess their party affiliations and consider their next electoral moves.
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