Embu UDA leadership assures party is intact

Earlier this week, a faction led by Joshua Kanake, who claimed to be the county coordinator, announced their defection from UDA, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of betrayal and neglect. Kanake’s group cited unfulfilled promises made to Embu residents during the 2022 campaigns, lamenting the government’s failure to reward loyalty and deliver development.

But in a swift and scathing rebuttal, another faction dismissed Kanake and his allies as imposters with no official ties to the party.

Speaking in Embu town, Mt. Kenya East UDA Regional Manager Albert Njeru rubbished the defection, branding Kanake a political pretender with no place in UDA's official structures.

“Joshua Kanake is a stranger to UDA. He does not feature anywhere in our records and has no authority to speak or act on behalf of the party,” Njeru declared, warning party members against being misled by what he termed as political theatrics.

Njeru further revealed that the party is mulling legal action against Kanake over claims of impersonating the county coordinator, a position officially held by Lawrence Kamugane.

Kamugane, the man recognized by the party’s top brass, dismissed claims that UDA had collapsed in Embu. “The party is not only intact. It is thriving. Our support is growing stronger each day, and we remain committed to delivering on our promises,” he said.

Defending Governor Cecily Mbarire, who also serves as the UDA National Chairperson, grassroots leader Monica Wambui dismissed allegations that she was running the party like a private entity.

“The Governor is focused on implementing the Embu Economic Charter and driving the county's development agenda. She remains a key pillar of our party,” Wambui stated.

As the political dust settles, all eyes are now on UDA’s national leadership to bring order to the escalating wrangles threatening the party’s unity in Embu ahead of the 2027 General election.