Political realignments appear to be taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with key opposition figures from Mt. Kenya attending the UDA National Governing Council (NGC) at State House, Nairobi.
Chaired by President William Ruto and assisted by Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki, the NGC meeting was notably energized by the presence of Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba and Juja MP George Koimburi.
Until last week, Wa Muchomba and Koimburi were key pillars in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s opposition camp, and their participation signals a new momentum for President Ruto’s second-term bid.
Highlighting the significance of her attendance, especially ahead of the 2027 presidential election, President Ruto acknowledged Wa Muchomba’s concerns, noting that her primary issue had been the state of Mau Mau Road.
The 150-kilometre Mau Mau Road, which cuts across Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nyeri counties, forms a critical artery for the Central Region.
“The only problem she had was the Mau Mau Road, and I can assure you that all contractors are now back on site. The projects are 50, 60, and 70 percent complete,” President Ruto said, adding that the ongoing work would soon be fully completed.
“I have decided that this year is about work and development, and I am at home with UDA… mine is three terms and two terms for the President,” Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba said.
President William Ruto also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s achievements since 2022, noting that the country is on an upward trajectory in areas such as the economy, education, health, and infrastructure.
“We are standing here today to shame those who have been peddling lies and propaganda, especially on social media, that nothing is happening,” Ruto said. “Our scorecard clearly shows that we have implemented 80 per cent of what we promised Kenyans.”
He added: “We have stabilised the economy and made progress in agriculture. As we speak, we have eight million bags of fertiliser ready for the long rains; farmers can start planting.” Ruto noted that 10.1 million bags were used last year, with projections rising to 12.5 million this year.
“So our commitment to transforming Kenya is solid and founded on a strong foundation. We have fundamentally transformed education, resolved issues with CBC, and addressed teacher and infrastructure shortages,” he said.
On higher education, the President confirmed that 21 public universities previously on the brink of collapse have been restored through a new funding model. “They are now on sound footing. Ask any vice-chancellor or principal of a TVET institution,” he affirmed.
Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki echoed Ruto’s remarks, saying: “As you are aware, we have started dualling Rironi-Mau Summit. No new taxes and no new debt. The President has announced that to take Kenya to the next level, we need to continue building new roads.”
The presence of Wa Muchomba and Juja MP George Koimburi sparked discussion online, with some likening them to the biblical prodigal son, returning home and being welcomed with open arms.
“There is something about momentum in politics; once you lose it, you lose everything. This is why you see Rigathi Gachagua getting extremely desperate. It is clear that Kiambu leaders have strategically moved from his camp; he is now left with Nyeri, which is slowly waking up,” wrote political commentator Gordon Opiyo on Facebook.
Also in attendance were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, governors, Members of Parliament from both Houses, and County Assembly Members (MCAs).
