A brief but noticeable encounter between The Service Party (TSP) leader Mwangi Kiunjuri, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua at Panari Hotel in Nyahururu on Friday, July 17, 2026, has sparked speculation about deepening political rifts among key Mt Kenya leaders.

The politicians crossed paths ahead of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s anticipated press briefing following the Ol Kalou by-election.

In a video circulating on social media and seen by People Daily Digital, Kiunjuri appeared to deliberately avoid greeting Senators Thang’wa and Kinyua despite being in proximity while he interacted with other leaders.

This comes despite Kiunjuri sharing a long political history with the two senators.

The cold exchanges quickly drew attention, given Kiunjuri’s close relationship with both senators in their political careers.

Former allies now in opposite political camps

Karungo Thang’wa was once among Kiunjuri’s closest political allies, serving as the secretary general of TSP when Kiunjuri sought to build the party into a formidable political force in the Mt Kenya region.

Their political paths, however, diverged ahead of the 2022 General Election after Thang’wa left TSP for President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where he successfully contested and won the Kiambu Senate seat.

Similarly, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua was one of Kiunjuri’s trusted political associates. The veteran Laikipia politician is widely credited with mentoring Kinyua’s rise to the Senate and played a key role in his political journey within the county.

The apparent decision by Kiunjuri to bypass greetings with both senators has therefore fuelled speculation that political differences have overtaken relationships that once defined their regional political alliance.

Ol Kalou campaign exposed political divide

The encounter came just a day after the fiercely contested Ol Kalou by-election, where the three leaders found themselves campaigning on opposing sides.

Kiunjuri emerged as the government’s lead political figure in the campaigns, spending several days in Ol Kalou mobilising support for the UDA candidate as the Kenya Kwanza administration sought to retain the seat.

On the opposite side, Senator John Kinyua spearheaded the Laikipia delegation that campaigned for the DCP candidate, while Senator Karungo Thang’wa led the Kiambu team backing Rigathi Gachagua’s political camp.

The contest eventually ended in a major setback for UDA after the DCP candidate secured victory, dealing the ruling party a significant political blow despite an intensive campaign mounted by senior government leaders.

Kiunjuri’s presence at DCP event raises questions

The Panari Hotel incident also came amid growing speculation over Kiunjuri’s political future.

Although he was one of UDA’s most visible campaigners in Ol Kalou, the former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary was seen in the company of leaders affiliated with Gachagua’s DCP shortly before Gachagua addressed the media on the aftermath of the by-election.

While Kiunjuri has not announced any change in political allegiance, his appearance at the venue has intensified speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Mt Kenya alliances under spotlight

With Gachagua seeking to consolidate support across the Mt Kenya region and UDA reassessing its strategy following the Ol Kalou defeat, interactions among influential regional leaders are attracting heightened political interest.