A growing wave of defections to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is disrupting the political balance in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gachagua has actively positioned DCP as the preferred political home in the region, attracting governors, MPs, MCAs, and grassroots leaders from rival parties. Recently, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and 24 MCAs from Laikipia and Nakuru counties joined DCP, abandoning the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and its affiliates.

Political realignment in Mt Kenya

  • DCP is drawing members from parties such as UDA, The Service Party (TSP), Jubilee Party, Democratic Party, and several smaller outfits.
  • Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party, once a formidable opposition force in Embu, has suffered setbacks with key figures like Newton Karish defecting to DCP.
  • DCP plans to field candidates for major elective seats in Embu, including Mbeere North parliamentary seat, Embu Senate, and the gubernatorial race.

In Mbeere North, former Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui will contest the parliamentary seat on a DCP ticket, while Karish aims for the Senate seat. This unites prominent anti-UDA politicians under one party, strengthening DCP’s foothold.

Challenges to other Mt Kenya parties

  • TSP, another Kenya Kwanza affiliate, faces pressure as Gachagua labels it among the “wheelbarrow” parties losing members.
  • Reports of a new political party linked to Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have also drawn Gachagua’s criticism.
  • Jubilee Party, led by deputy leader Jeremiah Kioni, warns against a one-party dominance and vows to maintain its presence and candidate preparations despite electoral challenges.

Jubilee has struggled to regain influence after losses such as the Ol Kalou by-election. Kioni emphasized the importance of multi-party democracy and coalition politics that respect individual party identities.

Political fallout and outlook

  • Former CS Moses Kuria left his Chama Cha Kazi party to join UDA but recently announced he will not contest any seat in 2027, citing the dominance of DCP in Mt Kenya.
  • Political analysts note that Gachagua’s momentum builds on his role in the 2022 campaigns, consolidating his position as a regional kingpin.
  • The shifting alliances are forcing parties to reconsider strategies as the 2027 elections approach.

As DCP’s influence grows, the political landscape in Mt Kenya is undergoing significant transformation, with smaller parties facing existential challenges and major players repositioning ahead of the next election cycle.