Embu County has been thrown into the national spotlight after claims surfaced about a secret plot to impeach Governor Cecily Mbarire.
The first-term governor alleges that senior government operatives are working with local MCAs to kick her out. But on June 6, a faction of the County Assembly stepped forward to deny the accusations, calling them dirty 2027 succession politics.
As pressure mounts, the region’s political unity is under threat, and the UDA party must now reckon with internal divisions it can no longer ignore.
Governor Mbarire Faces Turbulence as Power Struggles Roil Embu Politics
A political storm is brewing in Embu County. Governor Cecily Mbarire, one of Kenya’s most prominent female leaders, is fighting off allegations of a plot to impeach her. While a faction of MCAs strongly denies the claims, the controversy has already exposed deep divisions within the local leadership and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
At the centre of the dispute is the Governor’s Delivery Unit (GDU), a body Mbarire recently set up to oversee development projects. Critics argue the GDU duplicates county roles and undermines existing structures. Those aligned with Mbeere South reportedly considered this a trigger for impeachment.
However, MCAs led by Mwea’s Job Itumo have come out to defend Mbarire. Speaking on Friday, June 6, Itumo dismissed the impeachment talk as “mere politics” driven by individuals with personal agendas. “There is no impeachment that is going to happen,” he said. “The governor enjoys a good working relationship, and we are all committed to improving our county.”
Itumo went further, accusing certain individuals of pushing a 2027 political strategy under the guise of governance criticism. “They are determined to tarnish the name of MCAs and that of the Governor,” he stated.
Despite this denial, Mbarire remains firm in her claim that powerful forces within government are working against her. On June 1, during Madaraka Day celebrations, she made a bold declaration accusing unnamed senior officials of holding secret meetings aimed at removing her from office.
Cecily Mbarire Alleges High-Level Plot from Within Government
Mbarire didn’t mince words. During the national Madaraka Day event, she laid bare what she believes is a calculated campaign to sabotage her leadership. She claimed government officials travel by night from Nairobi to Embu to coordinate plans against her.
“You know I am the chairperson of the UDA Party, and if there is anyone who has suffered because of supporting the government, it is me,” Mbarire told the crowd.
Her remarks shocked many and raised concerns about unity within the ruling party. As chair of UDA and one of the few women governors in Kenya, her claims carried political weight. They pointed to growing rifts in the Mt Kenya political landscape and signaled possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The claims put the UDA on the defensive, forcing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to intervene. Coming from neighbouring Tharaka Nithi, Kindiki held a crisis meeting with Governor Mbarire and Embu’s County Assembly Majority Leader, Peter Muriithi, on June 4.
Deputy President Kindiki Moves to Calm Tensions Amid Party Rift
The Deputy President’s involvement shows just how serious the internal tensions have become. According to his office, Kindiki’s meeting with Mbarire and other leaders aimed to restore peace and address concerns over national projects in the area.
While the official communication focused on agriculture and regional development, insiders confirmed that the impeachment claims dominated the talks. Kindiki is said to be concerned about the growing perception of a power struggle within UDA and its impact on the party’s image in Mt Kenya.
The DP, who is gradually building influence in the region, is also aware of the shifting loyalties following Rigathi Gachagua’s fall from favour. Any unrest in counties like Embu could weaken UDA’s grasp on Central Kenya heading into the next election cycle.
Despite the talks, Kindiki’s office has not confirmed whether the meeting resolved the crisis. The silence has only intensified public speculation.
What Lies Ahead for Governor Mbarire and Embu Leadership
Governor Mbarire remains in office, but questions linger. Is this just noise ahead of 2027, or is a real power struggle unfolding behind closed doors? Either way, the tension has exposed vulnerabilities in the county’s political framework.
MCAs may have denied the impeachment claims, but Mbarire’s statements hint at deeper unrest. The silence from senior UDA leaders also suggests hesitation in dealing with a problem that could unravel in the national spotlight.
For now, Mbarire fights on. But the pressure is mounting. Her next steps could define not just her political survival, but the broader stability of UDA in one of its key regions.
