Ruto allies talk tough as defections hit UDA
Allies of Kenyan President William Ruto are dismissing reports of a mass exodus from the ruling UDA party ahead of the 2027 elections. They characterize recent defections as normal political movement rather than a sign of a broader revolt.
Why it matters
Provides insight into the stability of the ruling coalition in Kenya and the shifting political landscape leading up to the next election cycle.
President William Ruto speaking during the National Industrial Training Authority graduation ceremony at State House in Nairobi, October 8, 2026 /SCREENGRAB
President William Ruto’s allies in Mt Kenya are playing down a growing wave of defections from the ruling UDA, insisting the departures will not derail his reelection bid in 2027.
The assurances come in the wake of prominent leaders abandoning the President’s camp or signaling plans to seek alternative political homes.
The developments have exposed the difficulties facing UDA as it seeks to rebuild support in a region that overwhelmingly backed Ruto in 2022.
The head of state’s allies, however, disagree with the conclusions that the ruling party faces imminent mass exits.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi said the anticipated mass exodus from the ruling party had not materialised, describing the movement of politicians between parties as normal during an election cycle.
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