John Righa Mwachofi, who was the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) senatorial candidate for Taita Taveta County in the 2022 General Elections, has announced his immediate resignation from the party.
Mwachofi’s decision, conveyed in a letter addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties dated March 26,2025 , cites a desire to focus on personal and professional commitments as the primary reason for his departure.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the UDA’s senatorial candidate, acknowledging that despite being the youngest among national candidates, he was honored to represent the party.
Mwachofi also expressed a desire to focus on personal and professional commitments as the primary reason for his departure.
He stated, “I have decided that it is time to step away from my involvement in the party to focus on other personal and professional commitments.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Mwachofi conveyed gratitude for the opportunities he received, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity that the president accorded me to be the 2022 General Elections Senatorial Candidate for Taita Taveta County in spite being the youngest of all across the country.”
He further emphasized his decision, noting, “From my end, there is no iota of optimism remaining to warrant my continued stay in the UDA party, therefore necessitating my immediate resignation.”
Mwachofi’s departure adds to a series of political shifts in Taita Taveta County.
In 2022, Taita Taveta’s UDA aspirants faced challenges when the party failed to conduct nominations, leading to protests and calls for transparency within the nomination process.
Furthermore, the county has witnessed a tug-of-war between UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as both parties vie for membership ahead of the 2027 elections.
ODM, traditionally dominant in the region, has been actively recruiting to regain its influence, while UDA claims significant growth in membership.
In February 2022, four senior county officials resigned to join politics, including Lands Executive Julius Mwandawiro Mghanga, Water Executive Esther Mwanyumba, Public Service Chief Officer Simon Mwachia, and County Legal Officer John Bwire.
Mghanga, a former Wundanyi legislator, contested the Senate seat against Senator Jones Mwaruma of ODM.
Additionally, in March 2023, several leaders from Taita Taveta County defected from Azimio la Umoja to UDA.
Among them were Simon Mwachia (Jubilee), Christopher Mwambingu (ODM), Jason Tuja (ODM), Martha Kenio (Jubilee), and Collins Mzughulla (Jubilee).
Mwachofi’s resignation raises questions about UDA’s cohesion and future prospects in Taita Taveta.
