Githunguri Constituency Member of Parliament, Peninah Gathoni Wa Muchomba, has hinted at the possibility of joining former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s highly anticipated political party if it aligns with her principles and expectations.

As speculation continues to swirl around Gachagua’s upcoming political formation, Gathoni made it clear that she remains open to shifting alliances should the new party prove to be a viable vehicle for her political aspirations.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station via a live video from Boston on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Gathoni addressed growing questions about whether she would consider joining the new party expected to be unveiled by Gachagua.

While she did not outright commit to joining, she made it clear that she would weigh her options based on how well the party aligns with her vision for the future.

“I have a different opinion when it comes to Wamunyoro. I will join whoever will come in and encompass my principles and my expectations for the next government. So if he comes in and tells me, ‘I have this political vehicle that is going to deliver whatever it is that I am fighting for,’ I will be at liberty to make my decision. But as of now, I am watching,” she stated.

Gathoni’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a potential political realignment, particularly within the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has positioned himself as a key figure.

Discontent with UDA

In the same interview, Gathoni also expressed her deep frustration with UDA, the party under which she was elected in 2022.

She did not hold back in condemning the party for failing to fulfill the promises it made to the electorate. According to her, UDA has veered off course, betraying its supporters by implementing policies that have hurt Kenyans instead of delivering the economic relief they were promised.

“I was elected under the UDA party. The party that sponsored me in the National Assembly is UDA, so technically, I am still in UDA. But I did not ask President Ruto to go and merge with ANC. And therefore, because there is a merger, we are going to wait and see whether President Ruto is going to gazette it so that we can also declare our positions because we did not give him the mandate to do so,” she stated.

Gathoni went on to make a bold declaration that she would not seek re-election under the UDA banner.

She cited a series of grievances, including what she described as oppressive policies, economic mismanagement, and the government’s disregard for the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

“I am not going to vie again under UDA, that I must declare. If I ever vie for whatever position I am going to vie for, God willing, I am not going to use UDA because UDA has betrayed me. I did not campaign for President Ruto as my president to abduct and kill my sons and daughters. I did not campaign and endorse my president to invade people’s payslips and force them into serious mandatory deductions,” she asserted.

She further accused UDA of misleading the electorate by making promises it had no intention of keeping, pointing out the failed pledge of ‘pesa mfukoni’ (money in the pockets) and the unfulfilled Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) for farmers.

Farmers, she lamented, had been left struggling despite assurances that they would be a priority in UDA’s economic recovery plan.

“UDA came in and told us that we are going to have ‘pesa mfukoni.’ It told us that we would have guaranteed minimum returns. Where did GMR go? Where is it for my coffee and avocado farmers? Therefore, I am declaring that I am done with UDA as long as its matters come with the next election. I am in UDA right now because I am sponsored by the party in the National Assembly, but I am not in agreement with the many policies they have brought forth to suppress the economy and the livelihood of the Kenyan people,” she decried.

Gachagua’s party announcement

Gathoni’s remarks come just three days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that he will unveil the name of his newly formed political party, which is fully established and only awaiting its grand launch in May 2025.

Speaking on Sunday, February 9, 2025, during a joint media interview, Gachagua emphasized that his party was a direct response to the political concerns of the Mt Kenya region. He stated that the party had already been structured and would serve as the region’s political signature, similar to Raila Odinga’s ODM.

“Our party is ready. It is in the showroom, the engine is brand new, the tires are Michelin, and the driver is Gachagua—he won’t steer it off course. People are eager to know the name. The fifth month is when we will make the big reveal. We will begin opening branches, transitioning people from UDA, and firmly rooting them in our new home. We want all other communities to join us—we are offering them seats at the table,” he stated.