Ruto steps in as Kiambu UDA feud boils over

President William Ruto has moved to quell escalating infighting among leaders in Kiambu County, warning that wrangles within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) risk undermining development and weakening the party’s grip on one of its key political strongholds.

The president’s intervention follows months of simmering rivalry pitting Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi against close lieutenants to President Ruto led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kiamni Ichungwa’h, Thika Town Member of Parliament (MP) Alice Ng’ang’a, popularly known as “Mama Simba,” who has publicly declared her intention to challenge him for the governorship in 2027.

The early succession battle has exposed deep cracks within UDA’s County leadership, raising concerns about divisions ahead of the next General Election.

Speaking during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministries International in Ruriru, Kiambu County, President Ruto urged elected leaders from the county to close ranks and focus on service delivery instead of trading blame.

His remarks came amid heightened tensions following recent demolitions in Githurai by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which left traders counting losses and leaders pointing fingers over the handling of the evictions.

“The work in Kiambu is our job from the MCA to the Governor,” Ruto said. “Those elected by the people of Kiambu — from MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, Woman Representative and the President — are servants of the people. If the work of Kiambu goes wrong, we are the ones to be questioned.”

The president cautioned that public spats among UDA leaders were overshadowing development efforts and eroding public confidence in the party’s leadership in the vote-rich county.

He stressed that leadership was a collective responsibility and warned against shifting blame when challenges arise.

“If a problem has emerged in Githurai, let us not blame each other. We should solve the problem all of us. We shouldn’t point fingers. There’s no one in a lesser position amongst us here. We are all in government,” he said.

Kiambu has recently witnessed growing unease within UDA over what some party insiders describe as premature 2027 succession campaigns, particularly in Mt Kenya counties where the party swept most elective seats in the last polls.

Political observers warn that unchecked rivalry between Governor Wamatangi and MP Ng’ang’a could fracture grassroots networks, embolden opposition forces and complicate UDA’s re-election strategy.

The rivalry has previously played out in public. During a church fundraiser in Gatundu North late last year, Ng’ang’a openly declared her ambition to unseat Wamatangi, telling congregants that she would soon be “the boss” in Kiambu.

Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia escalated the contest by referring to her as the “incoming governor” and Wamatangi as the “outgoing governor,” remarks that triggered sharp political exchanges.

In response, Governor Wamatangi dismissed his rivals, expressing confidence that he would retain the seat in 2027. He insisted that development performance and not rhetoric would determine the outcome of the election.

The governor has also faced political turbulence in recent months, including speculation linking him to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political camp.

Earlier this year, business premises associated with Wamatangi along Douglas Wakiiru Road in Nairobi were demolished in a government-led clearance exercise to pave way for the construction of a commuter rail link connecting the Central Business District to Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road.

Wamatangi attributed the losses to political undercurrents.

President Ruto sought to calm tempers, reminding leaders that an upcoming January vote relates to internal UDA party positions, not the county governorship.

“I can see politics here is heating up, but I want to clarify something,” he said. “The January election is not for the governor; it is for the UDA party. So calm down for now — the governor’s election will come later.”

His remarks signaled a firm warning against premature politicking, as he seeks to preserve unity within UDA and maintain stability in Kiambu, a county considered central to the party’s political calculus ahead of 2027.