This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
On June 23, 2021, Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba made a high-profile switch, leaving President Uhuru's Jubilee Party to join William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
According to Wamuchomba, she made the decision after being pressured by members of her constituency.
"I am aligning myself with the DP because that is where my people want me to be," she said.
Wamuchomba's move was welcomed by nominated senator Millicent Omanga, who tweeted, "Warmest welcome to the hustler nation Kiambu Woman MP Gathoni Wamuchomba."
Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu expressed his disappointment at Wamuchomba's decision but respected her choice.
"I don't agree with her, but this doesn't change the respect I have for her. I wish her well as we now engage from across each other, politically," he said.
Wamuchomba was one of several Jubilee Party members who defected to UDA in recent times, including Kabete MP Githua Wamacukuru, Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, Kago wa Lydia (Githunguri), and Kinuthia Gachobe (Subukia).
