Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared his intent to secure nearly 90% of the votes in Nakuru County to boost his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) office in Nakuru, Gachagua emphasized the county's strategic importance in Kenya's electoral landscape. He outlined plans for DCP to capture 10 of the 11 parliamentary seats in Nakuru, leaving one seat to compete against President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Comprehensive Electoral Strategy
Beyond parliamentary seats, Gachagua revealed ambitions to dominate other elective positions in Nakuru, including governor, senator, woman representative, and county assembly roles. Specifically, he targets winning at least 45 of the 55 ward representative seats under the DCP banner.
Allegations Following Violent Incident
Gachagua also condemned Nakuru county leaders, particularly Governor Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, accusing them of orchestrating an attack on his convoy in Katembwa, Nakuru West. The incident involved stone-throwing and use of crude weapons, resulting in damage to several vehicles.
He criticized police officers for allegedly standing by without intervening during the assault. Gachagua further described MP Arama as a political "mole" aligned with President Ruto, questioning Arama's continued association with the Jubilee Party amid shifting political alliances ahead of the elections.
Resolute Campaign Ahead
Despite the violence, Gachagua affirmed his determination to continue political activities in Nakuru, pledging to increase his presence and grassroots outreach. He highlighted Nakuru's large voter base as a key factor in his campaign strategy.
"I will be camping in Nakuru to ensure I get votes here," he stated, signaling intensified efforts to expand DCP's influence in the county ahead of 2027.
