Tabitha Karanja Quits UDA to Vie for Nakuru Governor Seat on DCP Ticket

Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and announced plans to contest the 2027 Nakuru gubernatorial election on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.

Karanja announced her decision at a public gathering in Nakuru on Friday, saying she had listened to supporters urging her to seek the county’s top seat. She maintained that elected leaders are accountable to voters, whom she described as their employers.

Wearing green, the colour associated with DCP, the senator confirmed that she would run for governor under the party. Her declaration places her among the early contenders for the seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Karanja also criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying many Kenyans who supported it in the 2022 election were disappointed with its performance. She argued that the government had not met the expectations of some voters who had hoped for improvements in their living conditions.

The senator cited the rising cost of basic commodities, including milk, as evidence of the financial pressure facing households. She questioned whether national leaders fully understood the economic difficulties experienced by ordinary citizens.

Karanja’s departure marks a significant change in her political alignment. She joined UDA in January 2022 and was elected to the Senate on the party’s ticket in the August 2022 General Election, when the party was building support ahead of Ruto’s presidential victory.

Her exit comes as political leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. Parties are seeking to strengthen their regional support, attract influential politicians and establish alliances that could shape the next electoral contest.

The move follows Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba’s announcement a day earlier that she was leaving UDA. Wamuchomba cited dissatisfaction with the conduct and remarks of some party figures, including criticism directed at Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over comments she said were offensive to the Mount Kenya region.

Although the two leaders gave different reasons for leaving UDA, their decisions come amid growing political realignments ahead of the next election. Their departures also raise questions about the ruling party’s ability to maintain support among leaders who helped secure its victory in 2022.

In Nakuru, Karanja’s gubernatorial bid introduces a new contender with experience in national politics and business. Her established public profile could help her campaign, although her prospects will depend on the alliances formed and the level of support she secures as the race develops.