Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a significant influx of defections to his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its allied parties.
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Gachagua hosted 24 sitting Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Laikipia and Nakuru counties at his Wamunyoro residence. He described the movement as a "mass exodus" that will leave UDA, The Service Party (TSP), and other smaller parties as "mere shells" by the end of the year.
Delegation from Laikipia and Nakuru
The group included both elected and nominated MCAs. From Laikipia, members joining DCP were:
- Paul Kirenyi Leshuel (Mukogodo East)
- Nicholas Mwaniki Muturi (Tigithi)
- Irene Wachuka (Igwamiti)
- Catherine Nyokabi Kibui (Ngobit)
- Daniel Mugweru Muchemi (Umande)
- Simon Kanyutu Kimani (Marmanet)
- Samuel Mugambi Gatati (Salama)
- Stephen Ndiritu Kamau (Thingithu)
- Anthony Theuri Wambui (Nanyuki)
- George Karuiru Wairimu (Ol-Moran)
- Joseph Gitahi Macharia (Githiga)
- Mary Gathoni Muriuki (specially elected MCA)
The Nakuru contingent included:
- Philip Wanjohi Ndiritu (Lare)
- John Mwangi Macharia (Turi)
- Jane Wanjiru Gituku (Maella)
- Ann Njaguara (nominated MCA)
- Paul Kipkorir Tuwei (Kiamaina)
- George Wang’ang’a Mwaura (Elementaita)
- Simon Kamau Karanja (Kihingo)
- Bethsheba Kerubo (nominated MCA)
- Wathiai (Shaabab)
- Eliud Kamau Chege (Mai Mahiu)
- Peter Njuguna Mwaura (Elburgon)
- Karanja (Molo Ward aspirant)
- Isabella Makori (Subukia)
Political Implications
Gachagua emphasized that the growing support for DCP is reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election. He reiterated the party’s slogan, “Green is wealth, green is the future,” as he continues to build momentum in the Mount Kenya region.
