DCP Consolidates Support Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Politics Updated: 12 March 2026 20:31 EAT
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua met 10 MCA aspirants from kirinyaga County
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was at the centre of a flurry of political activity in Kenya on Thursday, 12 March 2026, as he consolidated support ahead of the 2027 General Election and paid respects to a grieving family.
In the early hours of Thursday, Gachagua welcomed a delegation of 10 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Kirinyaga County to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) at his residence in Wamunyoro. The leaders had defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signalling a shift in regional political alignments.
The defecting MCAs told Gachagua they had acted on instructions from their constituents, saying they wished to distance themselves from what they described as “oppression and persecution” by their former party.
Gachagua praised the MCAs for aligning with the wishes of their voters and described their move as a reflection of the evolving political mood on the ground as parties position themselves ahead of elections next year.
He urged his new party members to stay resolute in the face of any intimidation or inducement that might follow their decision, underscoring the importance of political courage in challenging environments.
The DCP leader also noted that their defection comes at a strategic moment, just as he prepares to embark on a three‑day tour of Kirinyaga County aimed at engaging residents on governance, development, and his party’s agenda.
Among the MCAs who joined DCP were Jeremiah Makimi (Kariti Ward), Isaiah Mbogo (Kabare Ward), Jinaro Jemumo (Deputy Speaker, Mutithi Ward), Timothy Kariuki‑Sedi (Njukini Ward), Thomas Mwangi (Mukure Ward), Frederick Maina Karimi (Tebere Ward), Geoffrey Murimi (Kiine Ward), Peter Njiru‑Weche (Wamumu Ward) and James Wambu (Kangai Ward).
Gachagua highlighted that their decision bolstered the party’s local presence, joining other DCP defenders such as David Mathenge (Baragwi), Kawangui (Mutira Ward), and Eric Muchina (Kerugoya Town).
The invitation of the MCAs and the announcement of his county tour came amid internal party tensions, with Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accusing DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala of attempting to undermine Gachagua’s influence by meeting with some MCAs — allegations which Malala has publicly denied.
Maina’s claims sparked broader discussion on social media and local political circles, with some alleging that meetings had been convened to form splinter groups opposed to Gachagua’s leadership.
Later in the day, Gachagua temporarily set aside political mobilisation to visit the home of Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa in Ruiru to condole with the family following the death of Lucia Wangui Thang’wa.
At the family home, he spoke of Mama Lucia’s life of Christian faith and community service, saying her kindness had touched many and expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved.
Gachagua offered prayers for strength for the senator and his family during the difficult period, asking for peace and comfort for their loss.
His dual role on Thursday — political consolidation and personal condolence — underscores the balance between public mobilisation and cultural expectations for leaders to participate in community mourning rites.
Tags: Democracy for the Citizens Party Dp Rigathi Gachagua Edit Editor's Pick Esther Waruga.kenneth Nyamwamu Kirinyaga County Nyeri County Political Parties Political Party Politics Rigathi Gachagua Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya
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