Rift between Murang'a MPs and MCAs widens ahead of 2027 polls

Murang'a MCAs, led by Kariara MCA Gichobe Mbatia, walked out of a meeting convened to endorse Prof Kithure Kindiki as the Mt Kenya spokesman. [File, Standard]

Political turbulence is brewing in Murang'a, where Members of Parliament are facing growing resistance from Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) as the 2027 political realignments take shape.

While the MPs back President William Ruto for a second term, most MCAs are rallying behind former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, sparking open confrontations in public forums. The rebellion, led by elected MCAs across the county's 35 wards, reflects growing discontent with government performance, even as MPs defend the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) regime.

Tensions began last year when Murang'a MCAs, led by Kariara MCA Gichobe Mbatia, walked out of a meeting convened to endorse Prof Kithure Kindiki as the Mt Kenya spokesman. In September, 27 out of 35 MCAs declined to attend a State House meeting.

Early this year, Gichobe's vehicle was attacked at a church function in Kariara, allegedly by hired goons. In July, chaos erupted in Ngonda market when police opened fire on vehicles belonging to Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leaders after a church service in Kigumo, injuring several people.

Political analyst Charles Njoroge likens the rift to the rivalry between Joseph Kamotho and Kenneth Matiba in the 1990s.

He notes that while MCAs are popularising Gachagua's DCP, MPs including Betty Maina, Peter Kihungi, Edwin Mugo, and Mary Wamaua remain loyal to Ruto's UDA.

Njoroge adds that, unlike the Moi-Matiba era, today's rebellion reflects "a modern power struggle driven by shifting loyalties and emerging political ambitions."