Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja announced on Friday that she is leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance and will seek the Nakuru governorship in 2027 on a Democracy for Citizens Party ticket. She made the declaration during a public forum in Nakuru, criticising President William Ruto’s administration for failing to meet public expectations.
Karanja, who joined UDA in early 2022 and won her Senate seat under the party later that year, accused the county administration under Governor Susan Kihika of mismanagement. Her move marks another high-profile departure from UDA ranks as political realignments accelerate ahead of the next general election.
The senator said she had consulted widely before deciding to switch parties. She positioned the DCP ticket as the vehicle through which she intends to offer an alternative to the current leadership in Nakuru.
The announcement adds to a series of defections and realignments already seen in recent days across Mount Kenya and other regions.
UDA leadership had not issued a detailed public response by late Friday. Political observers noted that Karanja’s exit further fragments the ruling coalition’s support base in a key county as parties begin formalising their 2027 strategies.
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