UDA Senator Distances Himself from Party, Blames Shift in Direction Under Ruto

A senator elected on the ticket of the United Democratic Alliance has publicly declared that he no longer identifies with the party’s current direction, citing what he describes as a major shift in leadership style and priorities under William Ruto.

The lawmaker, who is widely known as a loyal supporter of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, said he sought his mandate through the UDA party but now feels politically displaced.

According to the senator, the ideals that defined the party during the 2022 campaign period have gradually faded and been replaced by what he described as inconsistency and silence on issues affecting ordinary citizens.

He pointed out that during the 2022 elections, UDA strongly positioned itself as a champion of common wananchi, particularly small-scale traders, boda boda riders, and other members of the so-called hustler nation.

At the time, party leaders frequently spoke about economic empowerment and inclusivity. However, the senator now argues that such messaging has largely disappeared from national political discussions.

The lawmaker further criticized what he termed as constant political metamorphosis within the government, claiming that changing alliances and shifting policy positions have left many supporters confused about the administration’s true direction.

According to him, the line between government and opposition politics has increasingly become blurred, creating uncertainty even within the ruling coalition itself.

Because of this perceived shift, the senator said he has now gravitated toward the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) camp, which he believes better reflects the original vision he campaigned on during the elections.

While maintaining that he was legitimately elected on a UDA ticket, the lawmaker insisted that his loyalty remains with principles rather than party labels.

His remarks are expected to further intensify tensions within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, where internal disagreements have increasingly been expressed publicly in recent months.

Political observers say the coming months could reveal whether the senator’s move is an isolated protest or the beginning of a wider rebellion within the ruling coalition.