Rigathi Gachagua's DCP Gains Momentum in Kenya Ahead of 2027 Election

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expanding the Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) by attracting defections from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). A delegation of Kirinyaga County MCAs joined DCP, pledging to run under its ticket in the upcoming general election, signalling a shift in the Mt. Kenya political landscape.

Gachagua faces criticism from opposition figures, including Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi and Devolution Empowerment Party head Lenny Kivuti, who accuse him of pressuring smaller parties to merge into DCP. Gachagua rejects these claims, insisting that multiple parties can coexist and that DCP's growth stems from grassroots campaigning.

Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta is working to unite Kenya's fragmented opposition to challenge Ruto in the 2027 polls, while President Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga are holding a retreat to draft a joint manifesto and decide on a running‑mate, underscoring the intensifying contest for power ahead of the next election.