Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is once again at the centre of Kenya’s political discourse as he prepares to unveil a new political party next month.
His right-hand man and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala hinted the new outfit could be unveiled in a matter of days. “Most likely in a fortnight, we are going to unveil our party,” Malala said on Thursday when asked about the launch.“We aim to establish a new government to help our country. We’re working alongside your leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Fred Matiang’i. I, Riggy G, will work behind the scenes to help make key decisions. I want to assure Kenyans—we have a formula for good leadership.”
Political analysts say Gachagua is positioning his party as a direct challenge to UDA’s dominance—particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where he has accused President Ruto of betrayal and exclusion, despite the region’s strong support in the 2022 polls.
The former DP has been tight-lipped about the party’s details, citing fears of sabotage. “Our vehicle is ready—it’s brand new and waiting in the showroom. However, I won’t reveal its number plate or colour just yet because our adversaries might attempt to sabotage its launch. But come May 2025, we will unveil it and open doors for all Kenyans to join,” he said. At one time, he had hinted the national chairman’s seat would go to the Maa community – a move apparently meant to endear himself to the Masaai. Rumours have long swirled around the party Gachagua might use as his platform. Initially, it was believed he would pick the Farmers Party—associated with former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu—or an alliance with the National Party of Kenya led by his ally Wainaina “Jungle”. Other quarters point to the Democratic Party of Kenya, linked to former CS Justin Muturi. However, recent developments indicate that Gachagua may be behind the Democracy for Citizens Party, which was officially registered on February 3, 2025. The DCP's headquarters are located at Riara Centre in Nairobi, its symbol is a plough, and its slogan is “Kazi na Haki” (Work and Justice). “Gachagua initially had his eyes on the Democratic Party, but when that failed, he went for a party with a similar-sounding name and slogan,” a source close the former DP told the Star. DP national chairman Essau Kioni confirmed having met Gachagua and his team multiple times, urging them to join the party instead of starting afresh. He said Gachagua had a good opportunity to unite the country and offer alternative leadership to the people of the Mount Kenya. “We have assured Gachagua that our party is open to him if he wants to join. We have advised him to reach out to all communities to enhance national representation,” Kioni said, noting that forming a new party was difficult under the current laws. Kioni praised Gachagua’s potential to offer alternative leadership but emphasised unity. “We are ready to work with others to liberate our people and enhance economic progress.” However, Thuo Mathenge, leader of The New Democrats and an ally of President Ruto, expressed skepticism about Gachagua’s influence. He suggested Gachagua’s proposed political outfit would not necessarily guarantee him dominance. “What is unique about Gachagua’s party that people are talking about? His party will just join the long list of parties in Mount Kenya. We have The New Democrats, DP, The Service Party, Usawa Kwa Wote, and Tujibebe Wakenya. There is no vacuum here,” Mathenge said He urged voters to support leaders based on their track record and values, rather than emotion or political alignment. “The people of Mount Kenya should avoid making decisions based on sympathy. We must support leadership grounded in merit and integrity.”Isaiah Gichu, Party of Democratic Unity chairman, echoed the sentiments, warning that another party could fragment the region further.
“Mount Kenya doesn't need another party—it needs a coherent vision. Launching a party is not the same as winning hearts and minds,” Gichu said, adding that voters were focused on solutions rather than political theatrics. He argued that Gachagua’s efforts to launch a new party could further fragment Mount Kenya’s political voice rather than unify it. “We must stop recycling the politics of fragmentation every election cycle. Mount Kenya doesn't need another party—it needs a coherent vision.”Gichu said the region's political maturity has outgrown personalised power struggles and leaders should focus on national unity and development.
“At this point in our history, people are looking for solutions to economic challenges, not political theatrics. The era of using new parties to settle political scores is coming to an end.”Political analyst Andrew Maringa argues Gachagua is attempting to create a fallback plan in case the internal dynamics of UDA continue to shift unfavourably against him.
The recent speculations that Gachagua had fallen out with his close allies were worrying, as they might be heading back to the government or warming towards another political direction. “This could be a classic case of political insurance. Gachagua senses that his position within Mount Kenya region is under threat. Launching a party gives him a bargaining chip, a fallback plan, and perhaps even leverage in national negotiations,” Maringa said.
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