Kieni Member of Parliament Njoroge Wainaina, popularly known as Chieni, has ditched President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the newly embraced Ufanisi Kenya Party, in another political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wainaina announced his move on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a meeting with residents of Kieni Constituency in Nyeri County, saying the region needed its own political vehicle to advance local interests.
The legislator, who was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, said his decision was driven by the need for residents to chart their own political direction amid growing debate over the region’s relationship with the ruling coalition.
“Because of the gods, and because we have occasionally been reminded that we went to a wedding with someone else’s vehicle, I have made my 504. It will carry all the residents of Kieni, and that is the Ufanisi Kenya Party,” Wainaina said.
His remarks appeared to take aim at criticism of leaders elected on UDA tickets who have faced questions over their political loyalty and continued support for the ruling administration.
Wainaina also positioned himself as an emerging political force in Nyeri County, drawing a comparison with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who founded the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) following his fallout with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I am the second known party leader in Nyeri County after Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
Despite launching the party from his political base in Nyeri, Wainaina insisted that Ufanisi Kenya was not a regional outfit but a national political movement open to Kenyans from all parts of the country.
“The party is not made for Nyeri only; it is a national party that anyone can join,” he said.
UDA Faces Fresh Test Ahead of 2027
Wainaina’s exit adds to the political realignments taking shape as leaders position themselves for the 2027 elections, with party loyalty, regional representation and the future of the ruling coalition emerging as key issues.
The defection also highlights efforts by some elected leaders to establish alternative political platforms rather than remain tied to established parties as the next election approaches.
With Ufanisi Kenya now emerging as Wainaina’s preferred political vehicle, attention will turn to whether he can translate the move into wider support beyond Kieni and build a national presence.
His decision marks another development in Nyeri’s evolving political landscape, where leaders are increasingly exploring alternative party platforms ahead of the next electoral contest.
