Waiguru confronts Kirinyaga MPs amid UDA Party rift
By Bancy Lole, January 9, 2026A simmering power struggle within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Kirinyaga County has burst into the open, exposing deep divisions as the party heads into crucial internal elections.
The rift emerged days after three Kirinyaga MPs, Ndia MP George Kariuki, Mwea MP Mary Maingi and Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu jointly opened what they described as a party headquarters in Kutus town.
The move has since triggered sharp reactions from Governor Anne Waiguru and her allies, who accuse the MPs of sowing division within the ruling party.
Speaking on Friday, January 9, 2026, Governor Waiguru led a UDA meeting in Kutus at the governor’s residence alongside Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and several county MCAs, where she launched a blistering attack on leaders she accused of undermining party unity.
“I am the elected governor of Kirinyaga and automatically the senior-most leader in the party at the county level. If anyone believes they are senior to that office, they should first seek the governor’s seat,” Waiguru said.
Waiguru dismissed claims of seniority being pushed by the Ndia MP, asserting that by virtue of her position as governor, she remains the most senior UDA leader in the county. She warned against what she termed deliberate attempts to create parallel party structures and fuel internal conflict.
The governor challenged Ndia MP George Kariuki to test his political strength at the ballot rather than engage in internal power games, stating that leadership must be earned through elections, not declarations.
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari backed the governor, insisting that UDA’s party structures are clear and that the governor should serve as the county coordinator. He added that the ongoing wrangles would be settled through the party’s internal elections.
Tomorrow’s UDA elections will clearly define who holds which position in the party. There is no room for self-appointment or confusion,” Gitari said, dismissing claims of seniority being advanced by the Ndia MP’s faction.
UDA camp in a shipwreck?
The controversy took another twist after Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi disowned the newly opened office at Sifa Gardens in Kutus, stating that it does not officially belong to UDA.
“That office has not been sanctioned by the party. UDA has clear structures and procedures, and no individual or group can purport to open party offices without approval,” Murimi said.
Murimi urged party members to respect established leadership and cautioned against actions that could weaken the party from within.
“We must stop unnecessary power contests within the party. Internal wrangles only serve to weaken UDA and give our political opponents ammunition,” he warned.
The Speaker also called on Ndia MP George Kariuki to show respect to Governor Waiguru, emphasising the importance of discipline and unity as the party prepares for future contests.
“Governor Waiguru is the face of UDA in Kirinyaga. Respect for party leadership is not optional; it is mandatory if we want to move forward as a united team,” Murimi stated.
The open confrontation highlights growing tensions within the UDA in Kirinyaga at a time when the party is seeking to consolidate its grassroots structures.