Khalwale and Nyoro Lead Growing Dissent Within Ruto’s UDA Party

Kenya's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party under President William Ruto, faces escalating internal discord and fragmentation, potentially undermining its stability ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

Once a cohesive unit that propelled Ruto to power in 2022, the UDA is now grappling with dissent as prominent figures openly challenge the administration.

At the forefront of this unrest is Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a UDA founding member and current Senate Majority Whip. Khalwale's recent criticism of the party's presence in Western Kenya has reverberated throughout the political landscape. He said that UDA has lost ground in the region, citing disillusionment with the government's economic empowerment programmes and alleged misuse of public funds. 

His critique of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s initiatives – branded as “retrogressive” and “hypnotic” – highlights widespread dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and direction. Khalwale’s concerns are not isolated. A growing faction within UDA, particularly from the Mt Kenya region, is rallying around former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from office following a parliamentary impeachment. Gachagua has since launched the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), positioning it as a populist alternative to UDA and attracting defectors from across the political spectrum. 

Allies, including MPs Edward Muriu, Jayne Kihara, and Senators Karungo Thangwa and Joe Nyutu, have pledged to campaign against Ruto’s re-election bid, citing betrayal and marginalisation within the ruling coalition. The emergence of DCP has intensified political realignment, with Gachagua leveraging his influence in Mt Kenya and the diaspora to galvanise support. His recent call for Kenyans abroad to withhold remittances until a new government is in place has drawn sharp rebuke from UDA loyalists, who accuse him of economic sabotage. 

Gachagua presents his movement as a response to the government’s perceived failure to address systemic inequalities and listen to ordinary citizens. Adding to the internal turmoil, other UDA leaders have distanced themselves from the administration, citing authoritarian tendencies and controversial policies. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, previously a vocal supporter of Ruto, has expressed disappointment over his removal as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, lamenting the lack of communication and transparency from party leadership. 

Nyoro’s refusal to rate the government’s performance and his criticism of its handling of security and public finance reflect a growing unease among legislators who feel marginalised. Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has also broken ranks, criticising the government’s shoot-to-kill directive against protesters and accusing party officials of using their positions for personal gain. His absence from recent presidential engagements and threats to boycott UDA grassroots elections signal a potential departure from the party’s fold.

In response to the internal discord, UDA has initiated disciplinary measures against dissenting members, including the expulsion of Senator Gloria Orwoba and nominated MCAs Joy Mwangi and Ann Thumbi. However, these actions have only exacerbated the rift, with critics accusing the party of stifling dissent and abandoning its democratic ethos. Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who serves as UDA’s interim chairperson, has also voiced frustrations over alleged sabotage by senior government officials. 

President Ruto has sought to project confidence, asserting that his administration remains focused on development and will not be derailed by political theatrics. He has dismissed claims of a coup plot and warned against attempts to destabilise the government through unconstitutional means. Despite these assurances, the growing chorus of discontent within UDA suggests that the party’s internal fractures could pose a significant challenge to his re-election ambitions.