Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri has sparked intense political debate after appearing alongside Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua shortly after the United Democratic Alliance suffered a major defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by election.
Kiunjuri, who had actively campaigned for the UDA candidate Samuel Muchina, was seen welcoming Gachagua in Nyahururu as the former Deputy President began a victory tour following his party’s impressive performance in the by election.His appearance has fuelled claims that he has become the first sitting Member of Parliament to abandon the UDA for the Democracy for Citizens Party.
The Ol Kalou contest attracted national attention because it was widely viewed as a battle for political influence in the Mt Kenya region.
Many analysts considered it an early test of strength between President William Ruto and Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The race ended in a significant victory for DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, popularly known as Sammy Ngotho, who defeated the government-backed candidate Samuel Muchina by a wide margin.
The outcome was celebrated by Gachagua and his allies as a major political breakthrough.
Only hours after the declaration of the results, Kiunjuri was photographed among leaders receiving Gachagua before the victory celebrations began.
His presence immediately attracted public attention, especially because he had been one of the most visible figures in the government’s campaign team during the by-election.
Photos and videos of the event quickly spread across social media, with many users expressing surprise at the speed of the apparent political shift.
Some described the development as evidence of changing political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region following the DCP victory.Although Kiunjuri has not publicly announced his resignation from UDA or officially confirmed that he has joined DCP, his appearance alongside Gachagua has intensified speculation about his political future.
The incident has further highlighted the growing competition for influence in Mt Kenya, with observers expecting more political realignments as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.