{
  "id": 13098020,
  "title": "Tabitha Karanja quits UDA for DCP in bid to unseat Kihika",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/tabitha-karanja-quits-uda-for-dcp-in-bid-to-unseat-kihika",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T11:08:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/tabitha-karanja-quits-uda-for-dcp-in-bid-to-unseat-kihika/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has abandoned the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) with the intent of challenging Governor Susan Kihika for the county's top position ahead of the 2027 General Election. The change of allegiance was disclosed on October 9, signalling a significant reorientation within Nakuru's political landscape. Both Karanja and Kihika, who were initially part of the UDA, have been embroiled in a contentious dispute over the county's leadership. Karanja made the announcement during a gathering in Nakuru, vowing to contest the governorship under the DCP, which is led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This move follows a series of criticisms directed towards UDA's leadership by Karanja, who accused a close-knit group around President William Ruto of weakening the party's appeal. In July, she pointed the finger at UDA's defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, attributing it to arrogance, political intimidation, and the actions of leaders aligned with the President. Karanja has also raised concerns about some party members reconsidering their ties with UDA leading up to the upcoming elections. Her decision to switch parties follows earlier hints that her political allegiance would depend on her supporters, suggesting she might transfer to another party if advised to do so. Karanja's defection is expected to further fuel the rivalry between her and Kihika, who are both vying for the governorship. The two were previously allies under the UDA but have since developed a contentious relationship, with Karanja frequently criticizing the governor on various issues. Kihika, in response, has denied allegations and threatened legal action against Karanja for what she perceives as defamatory remarks. This rivalry is set to intensify as Karanja prepares to contest against Kihika under a different party ticket. Karanja's shift also bolsters the DCP's strategy to expand its influence in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party has been successful in attracting several former UDA members, such as Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, who announced his candidacy for the DCP ticket to defend his seat. The party has capitalized on discontent among some Mount Kenya leaders over UDA's direction and broader political shifts heading into the next election.",
  "summary": "Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has left UDA for Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP and announced plans to contest the governorship in 2027.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tabitha Karanja switches from UDA to DCP to challenge Governor Kihika.",
    "Defection announced on October 9 during Nakuru gathering.",
    "Karanja accuses UDA leadership of weakening party appeal."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}