Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s bold attempt to challenge President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 is already running into formidable hurdles.
Political analysts and rivals are questioning the viability of his newly unveiled Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The party’s launch, though marked by fanfare, was also overshadowed by violent disruptions, hinting at the turbulence ahead for the impeached DP.
As Gachagua seeks to position himself as Ruto’s chief antagonist, he must navigate a treacherous political landscape.
His bid is fraught with substantial financial necessity, coalition-building dilemmas and the lingering threat of his impeachment, which could bar him from holding office.
The immediate challenge for Gachagua is countering the influence of the Jubilee Party, whose moves remain unpredictable in the evolving political equation.
Should Jubilee opt to field former Interior minister Fred Matiang’i – a key figure in the previous administration of Uhuru Kenyatta – Gachagua’s ambitions could be severely undercut.
Already, Jubilee insiders have dismissed DCP as a “village party,” signalling a reluctance to align with his fledgling movement.
The competition could trigger a fallout that could force both sides to go separate ways.
But even if they stay together, the Jubilee-DCP competition could easily give Ruto's UDA a chance in many elective seats in Mt Kenya.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a staunch Gachagua ally, remains bullish, declaring, “The people have made their minds, the mountain has joined DCP as their political party.”
“Right now, three million people have joined the new party through the USSD code. In Mt Kenya, we want only one party for one reason – Ruto has tried to divide us, but now we are all in one basket.”
However, political observers opine that such optimism may be premature, considering the fluid nature of the country’s politics.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance retains deep grassroots networks in the region, with an estimated 90 per cent of elected leaders in Mt Kenya affiliated with Ruto’s party.
This structural advantage poses a significant barrier to Gachagua’s attempts to consolidate support not only in his backyard but also across the region.
Ruto is reaching out to leaders from across the country in his re-election efforts, hence could limit the new party’s reach.
Gatundu North MP Njoroge Kururia, a Ruto loyalist, dismissed DCP’s prospects, stating, “I can join DCP if Rigathi is not the party leader because he doesn't calculate.”
“He just talks and acts without knowing where he is heading. These small parties are talking the same way Wajackoyah was talking.”
The MP said the move did not come as a surprise.
“The supporters of William Ruto are not shocked that there is DCP. It is full of people who were in UDA but now feel Ruto is bad because they were sent away.”
Beyond political manoeuvring, Gachagua has to contend with the financial demands that come with a new party since he now operates outside the trappings of power.
Building a national party from scratch requires substantial resources – funds to pay staff, establish offices in at least 24 counties and sustain campaigns.
However, Gachagua is known to have deep pockets.
He could also fallback to the Mt Kenya business oligarchs, who have proven before that they can raise billions in a wink.
The grand question, however, is whether he would be able to command their support, especially with the concerted efforts the Ruto team is putting into delivering its poll pledges.
Moreover, the party’s ability to attract meaningful alliances remains uncertain, especially as other political heavyweights jostle for positions ahead of 2027.
Perhaps the most existential threat to Gachagua’s ambitions is his impeachment.
If the courts uphold his removal from office, he would be constitutionally barred from holding any public position, rendering his political comeback impossible.
For now, he is banking on judicial intervention to salvage his career, with early signs of victory fuelling his mission to capture power.
Political commentator Barrack Muluka views DCP’s emergence as an attempt to win back lost ground.
“The party that was unveiled yesterday is reclaiming lost political territory. William Ruto has attempted to run away with that territory,” he noted.
Yet, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s sharp rebuke underscores the ruling party’s dismissal of Gachagua’s efforts.
In a lengthy statement, Kindiki launched a veiled attack on his predecessor’s moves.
“Political formations established on the foundations of hate, parochialism, or ethnic chauvinism only serve to distract Kenya’s push towards prosperity and viability,” Kindiki retorted.
UDA believes in the ideology of economic transformation of the country through programmes that promote economic empowerment from the bottom upwards, he added.
Criticism of DCP extends beyond UDA, with observers condemning the party’s lack of originality.
Former ANC Political Affairs Director Omulo Junior was scathing in his assessment, remarking, “The launch of DCP is a disappointment to many. It lacks creativity, traction and innovation that comes with vigour, energy and fresh breath,” Omulo said.
“The adoption of former ANC colours and symbolism demonstrates a lack of ideas and originality by Gachagua and his entire team.”
The politico, a Musalia Mudavadi ally, added, “The new political outfit is grounded on hatred, ethnicity, revenge and lamentation. It symbolises a deeper crisis of political identity and integrity, which signifies an absence of a fresh vision. The new party has nothing to offer and therefore, is dead on arrival.”
As Gachagua grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the question is: Can he overcome the odds stacked against him?
His ability to secure financing, forge strategic alliances and navigate legal pitfalls will determine whether DCP evolves into a credible opposition force.
There is also a wait-and-see take on whether the outfit would fizzle out as another short-lived political experiment.
For now, the path to unseating Ruto appears uncertain and winding and as political commentator Herman Manyora puts it, “Gachagua’s journey has only just begun.”
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