Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire finds herself at the center of a political storm within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), amid growing allegations of internal sabotage and waning support for President William Ruto in the Mt Kenya region.
Mbarire, who also serves as the UDA national chairperson, recently accused unnamed senior government officials of holding secret night meetings in Embu to undermine her leadership. Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations, the visibly frustrated governor warned that continued interference from Nairobi-based figures would no longer be tolerated. Though she did not mention names, insiders suggest her remarks were directed at Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The rift between Mbarire and Kindiki appears to stem from claims that the governor has failed to rally local support for President Ruto. This comes after the head of state was booed on two separate occasions in her home county. Kindiki publicly questioned Mbarire’s political value during a recent meeting in Tharaka Nithi, challenging her effectiveness as both a governor and national chairperson of the party.
Tensions became more evident when Mbarire skipped Kindiki’s tour of Embu and was also absent from a recent State House meeting with governors. Although both leaders had met earlier and dismissed talk of a feud, political observers remain unconvinced.
UDA’s national organizing secretary Vincent Musau downplayed talk of Mbarire’s removal, insisting the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has not discussed such a move. He attributed the tension to regional political rivalry rather than party politics.
However, voices like Senator Boni Khalwale and political analyst Wahome Thuku suggest deeper power plays are at hand. Thuku speculated that Mbarire’s days in the party could be numbered, with a dramatic exit possibly looming.
As internal wrangles play out, Mbarire’s political future hangs in the balance, reflecting broader cracks within the UDA as leaders jostle for control of the strategic Mt Kenya voting bloc.
