UDA Suffers Blow as Candidate Who Lost Nomination Threatens Independent Bid

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is facing fresh political turbulence in Nyandarua County after George Wambugu, popularly known as “Delight,” rejected the outcome of the Ol Kalou constituency nominations and threatened to chart his own political path ahead of the July 16 by-election.

Wambugu dismissed the nomination exercise as unfair and accused powerful political figures of influencing the process in favour of his rival, Samuel Muchina Nyaga. The dispute has now exposed growing divisions within the ruling party at a sensitive political moment.

Samuel Muchina Nyaga, a former aide to the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, was declared the winner after securing 3,221 votes against Wambugu’s 3,077 votes. The closely contested race attracted ten candidates, with the top two separated by only 144 votes.

However, Wambugu has refused to accept the outcome, alleging that the nomination process was manipulated through external interference and political favoritism.

“This was not a free and fair process,” Wambugu reportedly told his supporters after the results were announced.

Sources close to his camp indicate he is now considering running as an independent candidate or joining the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), a political outfit associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Either option could significantly split the UDA vote and complicate the ruling party’s efforts to retain the seat.

Before the nominations, Wambugu had built a strong grassroots profile through youth empowerment initiatives and community outreach programs. Many of his supporters viewed him as a fresh and energetic alternative capable of attracting younger voters.

Political analysts believe the fallout reflects wider frustrations emerging within sections of UDA, particularly in the Mt Kenya region where internal rivalries and succession politics are becoming increasingly visible ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The low voter turnout during the nominations has also raised concerns. Despite Ol Kalou having more than 72,000 registered voters, only about 8,000 participated in the exercise. Some observers linked the poor turnout to voter skepticism and perceptions that the outcome had already been influenced behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, supporters of Muchina Nyaga insist the nomination was transparent and democratic. They argue that he remains the legitimate UDA flagbearer and is best placed to continue the development agenda associated with the late MP David Kiaraho.