Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has explained why she continues to identify with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) even as she openly expresses political alignment with the Democracy for the Citizens party(DCP), which is associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political camp.

In an interview on a local TV station on Monday, April 27, 2026, Maina said her position is shaped by what she describes as the fluid and often non-ideological nature of Kenyan political parties, where affiliations tend to serve electoral convenience rather than firm guiding principles.

According to her, this reality allows politicians to support ideas or movements outside their party structures without necessarily triggering formal resignations.

“We find political parties as vehicles; we don’t find them in ideologies. If UDA had been founded on ideologies and adhered to them, I would not feel the need to shift allegiance to one that aligns with my ideological thinking,” she said.

She argues that in a political environment where party ideology is inconsistently applied, shifting loyalties becomes a reflection of broader democratic freedom rather than political inconsistency.

Moreover, the Gachagua’ ally noted that her continued stay in UDA is also informed by constitutional allowances and the practical realities of Kenya’s political system, which she says tolerates cross-party engagement.

“Given that it is the custom in Kenya to crisscross. I think it is the nature of our politics that demands that shift. It is a freedom of expression, and the constitution is supreme to my other laws from where I sit. I have been particular about what I stand for. UDA purported to sell a narrative, which is the reason I joined; however, it deviated from that. Why should I be bound to a party that deviates from its own ideologies?” she said.

Playing safe?

While she openly associates with DCP on matters of principle, the legislator insists that her support is conditional and based strictly on ideological alignment rather than formal party membership.

Maina also maintains that she retains the freedom to contest future elections independently if political circumstances demand it, pointing to provisions in law that allow such a move.

“I’m supporting DCP as a matter of principle. I have been clear that if DCP were to form a government and deviate from the same, I would be unable to associate myself. I have the option of vying as an independent candidate because it is provided for in the law, if it is something that I would consider, certainly,” she said.

Addressing growing calls for her to resign from UDA and seek a fresh mandate under another political banner, Maina dismissed the idea, citing the financial burden a by-election would place on taxpayers.

“Why would I cost the Kenyan taxpayer over Ksh100 million to conduct a by-election in Kirinyaga when we have a deficiency in school funding? That is not good practice in politics,” she said.

She added that her decision is guided by public interest considerations, especially at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with economic hardship and competing national priorities.

“It would not be prudent, as a leader who understands the struggles of the Kenyan people, to resign for political reasons,” she added.