Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Muchangi Karemba has formally joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), abandoning President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in a move that strengthens former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political presence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Karemba was welcomed to the party on Friday at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where the DCP leader announced that the two-term legislator would spearhead the party’s expansion in Embu County alongside Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji.
“This morning at my Wamunyoro residence, I have welcomed the Member of Parliament for Runyenjes, Hon. Eric Muchangi Karemba, to the DCP Party after decamping from UDA,” Gachagua said in a statement posted on X.
“Hon. Karemba will join Hon. Gitonga Mukunji in popularising the party across Embu County as we work to win the governorship, parliamentary seats and all the 20 wards.”
Gachagua further announced he would travel to Runyenjes Constituency next week to formally introduce Karemba to constituents, declaring that “DCP is the party of the present and the future”.
Karemba’s decision to leave UDA followed an earlier announcement in which he indicated that he would not seek re-election on the party’s ticket.
On October 26, 2026, the legislator publicly announced in Gikuuri, Runyenjes, that he would not seek re-election on the UDA ticket, citing the need to consult constituents before settling on a new political vehicle.
“It is good that I inform you that the time has come for me to look for a party. I know there are many parties. What I know is that next year, I will not contest on the UDA ticket,” Karemba said at the time.
His formal entry into DCP, however, was not the outcome some had anticipated. Reports had earlier suggested Karemba was expected to align with the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), the outfit associated with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Instead, he chose Gachagua’s vehicle, a decision that adds to the political divisions within the ruling party’s Mt Kenya stronghold.
Upon joining DCP, Karemba said he had found a new political home and pledged to work with Gachagua.
“I have found a home, a new one. My new home is Democracy for Citizens Party, DCP. My party leader is HE Rigathi Gachagua. We will join forces to provide alternative and better leadership for our county and country Kenya,” he said.
Karemba, widely known for his signature white headgear, made history as the first member of the Akorino community to be elected to Parliament. First elected in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket, he secured a second term in 2022 under UDA.
In the 13th Parliament, he chairs the Public Petitions Committee and has previously led the Labour Committee.
His departure represents a change in UDA’s political representation in Embu County, particularly given his constituency’s proximity to Governor Cecily Mbarire’s political base.
Mbarire, who serves as UDA’s national chairperson, now faces a DCP presence in a county the ruling party had considered secure.
The defection also adds Karemba to a growing list of Mt Kenya legislators abandoning UDA since Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024. The region’s support was pivotal to Ruto’s 2022 victory, and the departures have formed part of the political realignment taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
With Karemba and Mukunji now both in DCP, Gachagua has two members of Parliament in the party from Embu County. Mukunji is reportedly positioning himself for the Embu governorship, setting up a potential challenge to Mbarire.
Gachagua has outlined the party’s ambitions for the county, saying DCP intends to contest the Embu gubernatorial seat, all parliamentary positions and every ward in the county.
The development comes amid escalating exchanges between Gachagua and President Ruto, with the two former allies trading accusations over political integrity and influence.
Ruto recently accused Gachagua of extortion, while the DCP leader has vowed to lead a nationwide campaign to unseat the President in 2027.
Karemba’s defection marks DCP’s expansion beyond Gachagua’s home county of Nyeri and into Embu County. The party’s ability to establish a wider presence will depend on its organisation and political activities ahead of the August 2027 polls.
Eric Muchangi Njiru, born on October 24, 1984, rose from a teaching career and corporate leadership at Dolphins Group to become one of Embu County’s recognisable political figures.
A Kenyatta University graduate with a Master’s in Public Administration, he entered politics in 2017 and established himself as an advocate for agriculture, youth development and local economic empowerment.
His distinctive white headgear, associated with his Akorino faith, has made him a familiar presence in Parliament and constituency events.
