DNK International By Our Correspondent, OlKalou
Moses Kiarie Kuria has long been regarded as one of the most outspoken, influential and unpredictable politicians from the Mount Kenya region.
The former Cabinet Secretary and current leader of Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) was among the most visible campaigners for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Samuel Muchina Nyagah, in the recently concluded OlKalou parliamentary by-election.
Despite an intensive campaign involving senior Kenya Kwanza leaders, Nyagah lost to Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru, a result that has reignited debate over political realignments in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
For Kuria, the defeat represents a significant political setback.
A UDA victory would have strengthened his standing as one of President William Ruto’s key mobilisers in Central Kenya.
Instead, the outcome has prompted renewed questions about the influence of Kenya Kwanza’s campaign machinery in the region and whether fresh political strategies will be required going into the next election.
Throughout the OlKalou campaign, Kuria urged voters to reject what he described as “politics of anger” and support the government’s development agenda.
He argued that electing a UDA candidate would ensure closer cooperation with the national government and accelerate development projects in Nyandarua County.
He also maintained that the by-election was an opportunity for residents to support continuity rather than political confrontation.
Born in 1971 in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, Kuria attended Githuya Primary School before joining Ituru Secondary School and later Thika High School for his A-Level education.
He graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Commerce degree specialising in Accounting and Finance.
Before joining politics, Kuria built a successful corporate career.
He worked as an auditor at Family Finance Building Society before joining Standard Chartered Bank Kenya. His career later took him to the Middle East, where he served in senior management positions, including at Al Rajhi Bank in Saudi Arabia and Wamad Info Services in Dubai.
His political career began in 2007 when he joined former President Mwai Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU) as Director of Programmes and party spokesperson.
Inspired by Kibaki’s economic philosophy, Kuria became one of the administration’s youthful political strategists.
In 2013, he joined The National Alliance (TNA) under Uhuru Kenyatta, serving as Director of Strategy during the successful presidential campaign.
His parliamentary career started in 2014 after he was elected unopposed as Gatundu South MP following the death of Jossy Ngugi.
He retained the seat in the 2017 General Election on a Jubilee Party ticket.
For several years, Kuria was among Uhuru Kenyatta’s closest political allies and fiercest defenders.
However, the relationship later deteriorated after he criticised the management of Jubilee Party and opposed the 2018 political handshake between Uhuru Kenyatta and the late Raila Odinga.
He accused unnamed individuals of taking control of the party and sidelining its original members.
As his differences with Uhuru deepened, Kuria aligned himself with then Deputy President William Ruto, whom he described as the leader best placed to champion the economic interests of the Mount Kenya region.
In 2021, he founded Chama Cha Kazi (CCK), which joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Although he unsuccessfully contested the Kiambu governorship, President Ruto later appointed him Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry before transferring him to the Public Service docket during a Cabinet reshuffle.
Following the nationwide Gen Z protests in 2024 and the dissolution of Cabinet, Kuria was appointed as a Senior Economic Advisor to President Ruto.
He later resigned from government and returned to active politics, campaigning for Kenya Kwanza-backed candidates in subsequent by-elections, including the successful Mbeere North contest.
Kuria has never shied away from controversy. During the fallout within Jubilee, he remarked that “all of a sudden, the space was occupied by people from nowhere,” blaming what he called an “e-list cabal” for influencing President Kenyatta against him.
He was also among the strongest critics of the Uhuru-Raila political rapprochement, insisting that the alliance betrayed the aspirations of many Mount Kenya supporters.
In one of his most controversial public remarks, Kuria admitted, “Sisi ndio tulikuwa tunamuibia kura,” a statement that generated widespread political debate and criticism.
More recently, however, he struck a more conciliatory tone towards former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying that the former Head of State had every democratic right to express his political views.
Kuria’s political rivalry with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and now DCP leader has also attracted national attention.
After Gachagua claimed that Chama Cha Kazi was merely a UDA-controlled party, Kuria dismissed the accusation, insisting that CCK remained an independent political outfit and warning his critics against underestimating his political experience.
The OlKalou by-election has nevertheless placed Kuria’s political influence under fresh scrutiny.
As one of President Ruto’s leading campaigners in the contest, the loss is likely to intensify debate over the future leadership and political direction of the Mount Kenya region as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
Whether the OlKalou outcome marks a temporary setback or a turning point in Moses Kuria’s political journey remains to be seen.
What is beyond dispute is that his fearless style, willingness to challenge allies and opponents alike, and ability to remain relevant through shifting political seasons continue to make him one of Kenya’s most closely watched political figures.
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[DNK-International @ July 18, 2026]
