The latest development was highlighted by People Daily on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through a front-page headline declaring The Great UDA Exodus.
According to the publication, several influential politicians are either leaving the ruling party or strategically distancing themselves from it as political realignments gather momentum.
In its November 5 newspaper review, Tuko highlighted the People Daily report, which featured ten prominent politicians associated with the growing political divisions within UDA.
Among the leaders featured were Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, and MPs Gathoni Wamuchomba, Gabriel Kagombe and Ndindi Nyoro.
Their political decisions and emerging positions point to growing uncertainty within the ruling party, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where Ruto previously enjoyed considerable political support.
The developments come as political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, with potential candidates searching for platforms that could strengthen their chances of winning elective positions.
Daily Nation, in its November 5 report titled Season of defections: More leaders change parties ahead of 2027, also highlighted the growing movement of politicians between political parties.
The publication reported increased political activity at party headquarters, particularly at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) offices in Nairobi, where leaders have been receiving politicians defecting from other parties.
The developments suggest that the 2027 political contest is already influencing party membership and alliances, despite the election being several months away.
One of the most significant developments affecting UDA is the departure of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
People Daily reported on November 2, in an article titled Sakaja quits UDA, joins ODM, that the governor had officially left the ruling party and joined ODM.
Sakaja was received at Chungwa House in Nairobi by senior ODM officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.
His decision marked a major political shift after he was elected Nairobi governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket.
The governor is expected to pursue a second term through ODM, although the party's nomination process will ultimately determine its candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
His political realignment followed his appearance at an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31, further strengthening speculation about his impending departure from UDA.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga also welcomed Sakaja into the party, hosting him at his residence on November 2.
Sakaja's departure is particularly significant because Nairobi remains one of the country's most politically influential regions, making the governor's party affiliation an important consideration ahead of 2027.
However, the political movement involving UDA goes beyond Nairobi.
In the Mt Kenya region, several prominent politicians have already made decisions that could complicate Ruto's efforts to maintain his previous political support.
The Standard, in its October 9 report titled Another blow for Ruto as Tabitha Karanja ditches UDA for DCP, reported that Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja had officially left UDA for Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Karanja announced her decision on October 9, indicating that she would pursue the Nakuru gubernatorial seat in 2027 through DCP.
Her announcement came shortly after Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba declared that she would not seek re-election on a UDA ticket.
Wamuchomba's decision followed consultations over her political future, with the legislator expressing dissatisfaction with her relationship with the ruling establishment.
She subsequently indicated that her next political direction would be determined through consultations with her supporters.
The departures have added pressure on UDA, particularly because both politicians have considerable political influence in the Mt Kenya region.
Another significant development involves Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata.
The Star, in its October report titled Why Ruto's Mt Kenya allies are fleeing UDA ahead of 2027, highlighted Kang'ata's decision to leave UDA for DCP.
Kang'ata announced his political realignment on July 24, indicating that he would defend his gubernatorial seat through Gachagua's party in the 2027 elections.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha also joined DCP on July 29, becoming another prominent county leader to leave the ruling party.
His announcement followed a meeting with Gachagua that was attended by more than 20 MCAs from Nyandarua and Laikipia counties.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Kagombe also left UDA for DCP before subsequently seeking forgiveness from Gachagua and expressing his desire to return to the political camp he had previously abandoned.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has also moved away from UDA's political fold, announcing his move to the People's Party of Kenya (PPK) on August 17.
His political position has attracted attention amid allegations that he could be working with interests within the government, claims that have not been independently established.
In Kiambu County, Governor Kimani Wamatangi has also indicated that his political future will depend on the platform preferred by residents rather than an automatic commitment to UDA.
The Eastleigh Voice, in its October report titled How Mt Kenya defections are putting pressure on Ruto's 2027 bid, examined how the growing political realignments in Central Kenya could affect the President's re-election ambitions.
The publication highlighted the departure of prominent politicians from UDA and the increasing uncertainty surrounding the party's ability to maintain its influence in the region.
Wamuchomba's decision not to defend her parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket was among the developments attracting attention, with the legislator expressing dissatisfaction with the government's political direction and its treatment of some leaders.
Despite the growing departures, UDA is also attempting to strengthen its political identity and reposition itself ahead of the next General Election.
Radio Generation reported on November 5 that the ruling party had officially replaced its longstanding campaign slogan, Kazi ni Kazi, with a new slogan, Usawa ni Sawa – Mbele Pamoja.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced the change through a notice issued on Thursday, November 5, inviting representations from party members in accordance with the Political Parties Act, 2011.
The new slogan signals an attempt to reposition the party's political messaging around equality, fairness and balanced development.
The change comes as the ruling party faces growing questions about its political strength, particularly following the departure of several prominent politicians who previously campaigned under its banner.
Meanwhile, the developments surrounding Sakaja's departure have also exposed divisions within Nairobi's political leadership.
People Daily reported on November 5 that nominated Senator Karen Nyamu had defended Sakaja's decision to join ODM, arguing that Nairobi needed continuity in its leadership.
However, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya dismissed UDA's political strength in Nairobi, arguing that the party had lost significant influence and would struggle to remain competitive in the capital.
His assessment adds another dimension to the political challenges facing Ruto as he attempts to consolidate support ahead of 2027.
The growing departures present a significant challenge for the President, particularly in Mt Kenya, a region that contributed millions of votes to his 2022 presidential victory.
Although political defections do not automatically translate into electoral losses, the movement of influential governors, MPs and senators could affect UDA's ability to mobilise supporters in areas where it previously enjoyed considerable backing.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the question is whether Ruto can rebuild his political support in Mt Kenya while dealing with growing competition from rival political formations.
For now, the developments highlighted by People Daily's The Great UDA Exodus suggest that the ruling party faces an increasingly complicated political battle.
Which of these political departures do you think will hurt President Ruto's 2027 re-election ambitions the most: Sakaja, Kang'ata, Wamuchomba or Tabitha Karanja? Share your views in the comments.
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