The People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) has received two politicians who have left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), in a move that could add to the growing political activity in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kiharu Member of Parliament and PPK party leader Ndindi Nyoro announced the arrival of the two leaders on Wednesday, August 20. They are Zack Macharia, the serving Member of County Assembly for Kiuu, popularly known as Githurai 45, in Ruiru Constituency, and Winnie Wambui, a Kiambu County MCA.
Nyoro said the two had decided to leave UDA and join his newly adopted political vehicle. He described their entry as an important step as the party continues to build its presence in the region.
Macharia is the current MCA representing Kiuu Ward in Ruiru, an area that includes the busy Githurai 45 neighbourhood. Wambui, who also serves as a Kiambu County MCA, becomes another local political figure to join PPK as the party seeks to attract more leaders before the next election.
Their defections come only days after Nyoro himself announced that he was leaving UDA. The Kiharu lawmaker made his political move public on August 18 during an event held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, bringing an end to months of speculation about his political direction.
Nyoro subsequently took over PPK and presented it as the political platform through which he intends to pursue his plans ahead of 2027. He said his decision was influenced by concerns about the government’s performance and the difficulties that came with running the country.
The MP pointed to what he described as the early trial and error stages of governance, increasing public debt and the pressure of meeting the expectations of citizens. According to Nyoro, governing had proved more difficult than campaigning for political office.
He has since indicated that he plans to work with different opposition leaders and political parties as they seek to develop a common national and economic agenda. His move has placed him among a number of Mt. Kenya politicians who are reassessing their political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
The region has also seen several leaders move towards the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Among those who have left UDA for DCP are Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.
The entry of Macharia and Wambui into PPK therefore comes at a time when political realignments are taking shape across the Mt. Kenya region. Their moves could be followed by other local leaders as political parties position themselves for the next election.
Nyoro and Gachagua are also expected to play important roles in the opposition’s efforts to challenge President William Ruto’s administration in 2027. Although the two have had political differences in the past, they have both indicated an interest in working with other leaders who share the objective of changing the country’s political leadership.
Gachagua has repeatedly said he is ready to work with politicians who are committed to defeating Ruto in the 2027 election. Nyoro’s decision to leave UDA and establish himself within PPK has therefore opened another possible avenue for cooperation among opposition figures.
The arrival of the two Kiambu MCAs gives PPK an early presence among elected leaders in the region. It also shows that political parties are already beginning to build their networks well before the 2027 campaign period officially begins.
