The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Muchangi Karemba has announced that he will not seek re-election on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 General Election, adding to the growing number of Mt Kenya leaders reconsidering their political affiliations.
Karemba made the announcement on Sunday while addressing residents in Gikuuri, Runyenjes, Embu County, saying he would begin consultations to identify a suitable political party for his re-election bid.
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“I want to inform you that the time has come for me to look for a party. There are many parties, but I know that next year I will not contest on a UDA ticket,” the MP said.
He added that he would consult his constituents and leaders from different political parties before settling on his next political vehicle.
Karemba said he expected to announce his preferred party within two months, ahead of the 2027 parliamentary contest.
“Within less than two months, I will have spoken to my people and leaders of different parties. I will then announce the party I will use to vie for the Runyenjes parliamentary seat in 2027,” he said.
Mt Kenya political realignments
Karemba’s announcement comes amid growing political realignments in the Mt Kenya region, where several elected leaders have left UDA or expressed interest in seeking alternative political platforms ahead of the next General Election.
On October 17, 2026, Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina, popularly known as Chieni, announced his departure from UDA to join the Ufanisi Kenya Party (UKP).
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha have also left the ruling party and joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has indicated that he will contest the 2027 elections on a political platform selected by Kiambu residents.
READ ALSO: Wamatangi: I Will Not Be Pressured Into Joining Any Political Party
Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has announced plans to leave UDA and contest the Nakuru gubernatorial seat on a DCP ticket.
In Parliament, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba and Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe have also announced their departure from UDA, with Kagombe citing growing public hostility towards the ruling party in the region.
Meanwhile, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has shifted his political alignment towards the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), adding to the changing political landscape in the region.
The developments raise questions about UDA’s support in Mt Kenya, a key part of President William Ruto’s electoral coalition during the 2022 General Election.
Karemba’s political career
Karemba was first elected to the National Assembly in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket before securing a second term in 2022 under UDA.
He is widely recognised as the first member of the Akorino community to be elected to Parliament. His distinctive white headgear has become a familiar feature of his public appearances.
In the 13th Parliament, Karemba chairs the Public Petitions Committee. He previously served as chairperson of the Labour Committee.
The MP holds a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Kenyatta University, where he studied between 2005 and 2010. He later earned a Master of Arts in Public Policy from the same institution in 2022.
His decision not to seek re-election on a UDA ticket adds to the political uncertainty surrounding party affiliations and candidate nominations in Mt Kenya as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
