Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that he will not contest any elective position, days after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lost the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement shared on Friday, July 24, Kuria said he had no intention of seeking any political seat, even as he continued to criticise former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political strategy in the Mt Kenya region.
“You can have DCP candidates all over Mt Kenya. I will not even vie for any seat myself,” Kuria said.
Responds to Ol Kalou by-election
Kuria’s remarks followed Gachagua’s celebration of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) victory in the Ol Kalou by-election, where Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru defeated UDA candidate Samuel Muchina.
The former CS also dismissed allegations linking him to violence witnessed during the by-election, where armed men in SUVs reportedly attacked residents, voters and journalists.
“Even if you accuse me 1,000 times of planning violence without proof, it will not wash,” Kuria said, accusing Gachagua of making repeated claims against him without evidence.
The by-election was marred by incidents of violence and intimidation, with reports indicating that armed men travelling in Prado vehicles disrupted voting in several areas. Two people were killed during the chaos.
Although some media reports identified the attackers as plainclothes police officers, no action had been taken against those allegedly involved despite directives issued by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Criticism of Mt Kenya politics
Kuria said he had previously warned Gachagua against entering political alliances without first building a strong regional political party to represent Mt Kenya’s interests.
“In 2020 and 2021, I warned you we as a community do not go into a coalition without our own party. You fought me,” he said.
He argued that the region should not depend on a single political vehicle, saying a broader political strategy was necessary.
“I said we don’t go to a dowry negotiation while riding in the bridegroom’s Mercedes. You fought all other parties other than UDA,” Kuria added.
Calls for political space
Addressing Gachagua, whom he referred to as “Muthamaki,” Kuria said he would step back from active political contests and observe developments over the coming year.
“Now that you are the undisputed King, cut me some slack and give me some peace. We will watch you for the next 12 months, Muthamaki,” he said.
The Ol Kalou by-election has intensified political competition in the Mt Kenya region, with Gachagua’s DCP seeking to consolidate its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election while UDA works to regain political ground.
