Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja joins Gachagua’s DCP, sets sights on governor seat

Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche has declared her intention to challenge Governor Susan Kihika in the 2027 General Election, switching from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Karanja announced her decision on October 9 in Naivasha, where she told supporters that she would seek the county’s top seat under the party associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The announcement marks a political shift for the senator, who was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, the same election that brought Kihika to power.

She said residents had urged her to listen to the ground if she wanted to become governor, adding that the current administration had failed to meet their expectations.

“You have been telling me that if I want to become governor, I must listen to the ground. From today, I will vie for the governor’s seat on a DCP ticket because the expectations you had of this governor have not been met, and I feel my president is not reading the mood on the ground or connecting with the people,” she said.

Before entering elective politics, Karanja built her profile in business as the head of Keroche Breweries, which she ran with her husband, Joseph Karanja.

Her election as Nakuru senator in 2022 gave her a platform to raise county concerns in the Senate, particularly on public spending, stalled development projects, healthcare and security.

But even as she prepares to seek the governor's seat, a key question is what became of the issues she raised and what changed for the residents affected.

Karanja’s declaration puts her on a potential collision course with Kihika, who is approaching the end of her first term as governor as seeks to defend the seat.

CS MITI Lee Kinyanjui, who lost the seat in 2022, is another candidate who confirmed his bid for 2027 elections. This is alongside Eng. Evans Kimori and Former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) CEO Geoffrey Gitau Mwangi.

The DCP ticket will also be a factor as the party positions itself ahead of the election.

The governor’s performance, the management of county resources and the delivery of services are likely to feature in the contest as aspirants make their cases to residents.

The gubernatorial race is expected to take shape further as more aspirants declare their intentions and political parties begin preparing for the 2027 General Election.