President William Ruto faces a political dilemma after Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata exited his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, potentially impacting the battle for the Central Kenya vote.

• The move is seen as a significant shift in the region's political landscape, influenced by Rigathi Gachagua's "fagia" campaign.
• Key players include President William Ruto, Governor Irungu Kang'ata, and Rigathi Gachagua.
• This development signals a challenge to UDA's dominance in Mt Kenya ahead of next year's elections.

Sammy Ngotho has secured the DCP ticket for the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat after a decisive win in the nominations held on May 9, 2026.

• Sammy Ngotho garnered 12,957 votes compared to his closest rival, Paul Waiganjo, who received 4,978 votes.
• The DCP nominations saw a high voter turnout, contrasting with the low turnout for the UDA nominations.
• The election took place at AC Comprehensive School in Ol Kalou.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is at the centre of a political scramble as various leaders vie for his allegiance ahead of the 2027 general election.

• Ndindi Nyoro is described as the fifth most influential politician in the Mt Kenya region.
• Key figures seeking his support include President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i, and Babu Owino.
• Nyoro remains non-committal, stating he will make his position clear in January 2027.

In the Ol Kalou Constituency UDA nominations for the upcoming July 16 by-elections, perceived frontrunner George Wambugu Kanuri lost his bid for the party ticket.

• Samuel Muchina Nyaga, the ex-MP aide and former Constituency Development Fund manager, defeated Kanuri by a margin of 144 votes, garnering 3,221 votes to Kanuri's 3,077.
• The election saw a poor voter turnout, with only 8,315 out of 75,000 registered voters participating.
• Kanuri's loss is attributed to strategic miscalculations, including neglecting his strongholds and focusing on former MP David Kiaraho's territory, and overconfidence.