PHOTO CAPTION
Githunguri MP Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba addresses journalists in Nairobi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, where she raised concerns over tribal divisions, discrimination and rising political temperatures in the country.
NAIROBI, Thursday
By Mary Ndanu
Githunguri Member of parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has announced her decision to quit the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying she can no longer associate with leaders whom she accuses of disrespecting other communities and ignoring concerns raised by elected leaders.
Wamuchomba said she would neither defend nor campaign for an elective seat through UDA in the next General Election, adding that she would seek an alternative political outfit after consulting her constituents.
She noted that the decision followed extensive consultations with her voters, community leaders, the church and political colleagues.
“I am not going to defend, or campaign, or seek for any political seat through my party UDA,” Wamuchomba said.
The legislator also quoted that she had repeatedly raised concerns over what she termed as tribal balkanisation, discrimination and rising political temperatures, warning that such issues could undermine national cohesion.
Wamuchomba questioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over what she termed selective application of justice in dealing with leaders accused of making divisive remarks.
She singled out Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, questioning why the commission had not summoned him over remarks she said were directed at a particular community.
“Why hasn’t Aden Duale been summoned? Is he above the law?” she asked.
Wamuchomba also said that she had previously raised the matter and expected action to be taken, but claimed nothing had been done despite NCIC taking steps against other leaders accused of making inflammatory remarks.
She cited the arrest and court appearance of Molo MP Kimani Kuria and an NCIC verdict issued against him as examples of action taken against other leaders.
Wamuchomba further accused Duale of showing contempt towards her after he allegedly referred to her as a “small girl from Kiambu” while responding to her criticism.
She said the remarks reinforced her view that some leaders in government were not taking elected representatives seriously.
Wamuchomba said she could no longer remain in a political arrangement with leaders whom she believed did not respect other communities.
She also criticised the government over challenges facing coffee and tea farmers, saying leaders had raised concerns about the sectors without receiving adequate action.
Wamuchomba recalled that in 2023, a parliamentary caucus had raised concerns over the Nairobi Coffee Exchange and engaged the relevant ministry over the matter.
She said the continued challenges facing coffee farmers demonstrated that the government had failed to heed recommendations made by leaders representing the sector.
The legislator also expressed concern over tea farmers uprooting their tea bushes, as well as the closure and auctioning of tea factories.
She said she could not continue aligning herself with a government while farmers faced such challenges.
“ I’m not going to align myself with the political party UDA,” Wamuchomba said.
She said she would now consult her electorate before deciding which political outfit to join, adding that her supporters would guide her on the way forward.
Wamuchomba appeared to hint at a possible change of political colours when she arrived at the press briefing dressed in yellow and green.
Her announcement comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders beginning to reposition themselves and explore new political alliances.
Responding to a question on why she had chosen to make the move in 2026 despite raising some of the concerns since 2023, Wamuchomba maintained that her decision followed consultations and was not simply an election strategy.
She said she would continue speaking out on issues affecting Kenyans and defending the interests of farmers regardless of the political outfit she eventually joins.