The gathering of the party’s National Governing Council drew attention not just for its agenda, but also for the notable presence of leaders who were once closely aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The meeting marked a turning point for several politicians who have recently distanced themselves from Gachagua and his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Their appearance at State House was widely seen as a public signal of renewed loyalty to President Ruto and the ruling party, at a time when political camps in the Mt Kenya region are undergoing realignment.
Among those in attendance was Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba, a leader who had previously been viewed as a strong supporter of Gachagua.
In recent months, however, differences between the two have become evident, culminating in what many observers describe as a clear political separation.
Speaking after the meeting, Wamuchomba struck a conciliatory and development-focused tone. She said her priority for the year is service delivery and economic progress rather than endless political battles.
Speaking after the meeting, Wamuchomba struck a conciliatory and development-focused tone. She said her priority for the year is service delivery and economic progress rather than endless political battles.
By attending the meeting at State House, she described herself as being “back home” within UDA, a statement that was interpreted as a firm declaration of where she now stands politically.
Also present was Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi, whose political journey over the past year has drawn significant attention.
Also present was Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi, whose political journey over the past year has drawn significant attention.
Koimburi had remained within the Gachagua-led faction for several months after its formation, but broke ranks in December 2025.
His reappearance at a key UDA meeting further reinforced the view that momentum is shifting back toward President Ruto’s camp.
For UDA, the return of such figures is seen as a strategic boost, especially in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
For UDA, the return of such figures is seen as a strategic boost, especially in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
The party has been keen to present an image of unity and stability as it consolidates its grassroots structures ahead of future electoral contests.
Political analysts say the presence of former Gachagua allies at State House strengthens President Ruto’s grip on the region and weakens the influence of emerging rival parties.
The developments also point to growing challenges within the DCP, particularly in retaining senior leaders who command local support.
The developments also point to growing challenges within the DCP, particularly in retaining senior leaders who command local support.
While Gachagua has positioned his party as a new political force aimed at reshaping national politics, recent defections suggest internal strain and uncertainty about its long-term direction.
Gachagua, however, has dismissed the significance of the leaders attending the State House meeting. He maintains that those who have left were never fully committed to his political movement.
Gachagua, however, has dismissed the significance of the leaders attending the State House meeting. He maintains that those who have left were never fully committed to his political movement.
According to him, DCP remains solid, organised, and capable of competing both regionally and nationally.
Despite these assurances, the optics of Monday’s meeting told a different story. Images shared from State House showed a confident President Ruto addressing party officials, with former critics seated among loyal UDA members. The symbolism was not lost on supporters or rivals alike.
Despite these assurances, the optics of Monday’s meeting told a different story. Images shared from State House showed a confident President Ruto addressing party officials, with former critics seated among loyal UDA members. The symbolism was not lost on supporters or rivals alike.