Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu Refuses to Quit UDA Amid Party Tensions

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has rejected pressure from within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to abandon his political position, insisting he will remain a member of the ruling party despite growing tensions linked to his association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during a televised interview on 30 October, Nyutu challenged UDA leaders to expel him if his stance was unacceptable, declaring that his party membership was a personal decision.

“If UDA is not happy with Nyutu being a Senator member in Murang’a, let UDA remove me from their list of members,” he said, addressing fellow legislators Jared Okello and Samson Cherargei and urging them to convey his message to President William Ruto.

Nyutu’s comments came after his removal as chair of the Senate Education Committee, a decision he described as politically driven but not unexpected. His firm tone highlighted ongoing dissatisfaction among some party members who believe internal dissent is being suppressed.

The senator also accused President Ruto of seeking to align himself with the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for political advantage. He claimed the President’s outreach to ODM was a sign of weakness, arguing that Ruto had never fully committed to UDA during the last general election.

“He thought he was too strong and smart. He could do away with people, then he got a shock when the new partner did not embrace this partnership as UDA did,” Nyutu said.

While Nyutu did not provide evidence to support his claims, his remarks echo concerns among some UDA members who view Ruto’s engagement with opposition leaders as a departure from the party’s founding principles.