Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is moving early to lock in party unity ahead of the February 26 by-elections in Embu and Meru counties, convening aspirants from the often-fractious UDA primaries and publicly rallying them behind the party’s flagbearers.
Meeting aspirants at Karen on Monday, Kindiki congratulated Duncan Muratia and Peterson Njiru ‘Weche’ after they emerged winners in the Evurore and Muminji ward primaries, urging those who lost to close ranks and focus on delivering victories for UDA. The message was unmistakable: internal divisions could cost the party in regions viewed as politically competitive and symbolically important to the ruling coalition.
The show of unity was reinforced by the presence of Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, Mbeere North MP Leonard Wamuthende and Embu County Assembly Speaker Josiah Thiriku—signalling coordinated backing from regional powerbrokers.
With the by-elections just weeks away, UDA is keen to avoid the fallout that has followed bruising primaries in the past, where disgruntled aspirants have defected or quietly undermined party candidates. Kindiki’s intervention positions the party leadership as hands-on and intent on presenting a united front, especially in Mount Kenya East, where political loyalties remain fluid.
The February contests are expected to serve as an early test of UDA’s grassroots strength and its ability to manage internal competition without bleeding support to rivals—making party cohesion as critical as campaign messaging.
