It’s official, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru will fly the flag of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party linked to Deputy President William Ruto, in the coming governor by-election in Nairobi.  

This was announced by the party on Friday, with UDA unveiling Bishop Wanjiru during a presser attended by a number of Ruto’s allies led by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Speaking during the event at the party’s Hustler Centre headquarters along Makindi Road in Kilimani, Murkomen said UDA was ready to face off with its coalition partner Jubilee Party.

“We don't fear competition. If ODM has surrendered, Nairobi by-election will be between two rooms of Jubilee coalition. We have a candidate here in Margaret Wanjiru. We win or we lose, that is a part of democracy,” Murkomen said.

The Nairobi governor seat fell vacant following the impeachment of governor Mike Sonko by Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), a decision ratified by the Senate days later.

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Last week, the Registrar of Political Parties, in a gazette notice, said the Party for Reforms and Development (PDA) linked to Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju had changed its name to UDA.

Wanjiru is set to face Jubilee Party’s Dennis Waweru, if wins during the party primaries scheduled for January 9 after ODM opted out of the race in favour of a handshake candidate.

Impeached Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu also announced his intention to vie in Nairobi to replace Mike Sonko who was also ousted last Month, although Waititu is yet to be cleared.

The Nairobi gubernatorial mini poll is scheduled for February 18 even as the high court on Monday suspended the election following legal challenges filed in court by Sonko.