Gachagua to flex political muscle with grand launch of new party

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the DCP party unveiling

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to officially launch his DCP party in Nairobi, a calculated step to make a political statement ahead 2027 polls.

The move is seen as a signal of Gachagua’s growing ambitions and desire to cement his political autonomy, something he blamed for his past political tribulations.

The big launch is scheduled to take place at the historic Kasarani stadium, with 5000 delegates expected to attend.

In a letter seen by the Star, Gachagua, through the party’s interim secretary general, Hezron Obaga, booked to use the Kasarani gymnasium on June 3, 2025.

“The event is expected to host approximately 5,000 attendees, including party members, supporters, invited guests, and members of the press,” the DCP letter reads.

The Star has established that during the much-hyped event, there will be a display of carefully selected performances, a parade of regional elders, and youth mobilisation—all designed to portray Gachagua not just as a Mt Kenya kingpin, but also as a formidable candidate in the 2027 polls.

“We plan to use the facility for speeches, performances, and interactive sessions aimed at unveiling our vision, manifesto, and leadership to the Kenyan public,” the letter says.

The launch comes amid growing tension in Mt Kenya, with Gachagua increasingly positioning himself as the de facto spokesperson for the Central region.

While his backers laud DCP as a fitting rejection of President William Ruto for sidelining the region, critics, however, view the new party as a threat to unity.

Already, there are political movements since the unveiling of the party last week, with some big figures from the region joining the outfit ahead of the polls.

Officials said the party registered over one million members within the first 24 hours after being unveiled, but the Star could not independently verify the figures.

Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando announced joining the DCP on Tuesday, declaring his bid for the Nyeri senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

“Registered as a member of DCP.  Aspiring for senator of Kenya to represent Nyeri county. Crafting patriotic troops,” he stated on X.

DCP is positioning itself as a vehicle to consolidate Gachagua’s influence in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region and counter perceived marginalisation by Ruto’s administration.

The move has already attracted attention, triggering conversations across the country, suggesting the party could quickly morph into a potent force.

Makurweini MP John Kaguchia said the party is focused on replacing UDA in the Mt Kenya region and across the country.

“Our focus is to listen to our people and offer solutions to problems touching on agriculture, infrastructural development, socio-economic issues, and ensure democracy prevails,” Kaguchia said.

Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni has, however, downplayed Gachagua’s force. To Kioni, the former DP lacks the national appeal necessary to stage a serious political contest.

“If you want to be a presidential candidate, you must look beyond your region and community. That is what former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta did,” Kioni told the Star.

“You must ask yourself a fundamental question: which other community can support you beyond your own?”

The former Ndaragua MP, however, welcomed DCP into the political landscape even as he insisted that regional outfits are not good for the country.

“Regional parties won’t take the country far. They threaten national cohesion and political stability. Jubilee is feared by these emerging parties because of its achievements and potential."

“They are trying to put a picture of a national party by placing people across the country, but it is a Mt Kenya party,” Manyora said.

The analyst also warned DCP will find it rough owing to sibling rivalry with the former ruling Jubilee Party, which is more entrenched in the area.

“It (DCP) will be a strong party in Mt Kenya, but it must reckon with Jubilee,” Manyora said.

Ahead of the launch, Gachagua had unveiled DCP with interim officials carefully selected to reflect the face of the country.

Among those named to the party leadership are former UDA and Jubilee heavyweights, including ex-UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala, the interim deputy party leader.

Former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was named interim national organising secretary, while former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda will chair the caucus of eminent persons.

Former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru is the national women's leader, while David Mingati from Kajiado was named the national chairperson.

Other appointments include Peter Mwathi (deputy chairperson, strategy - Kiambu), Margaret Owino (deputy chairperson, operations - Kisumu), Hezron Obanga (secretary general - Kisii), Martin Ole Kamwaro (deputy secretary general - Narok), Hannah Mutua (national treasurer - Machakos), Evangeline Njoka (deputy treasurer, strategy Embu) and Thomas Mwita (deputy national treasurer - Migori).

Also unveiled were Andrew Kiplimo, director of elections (Uasin Gishu), David Njenga, chairperson diaspora caucus, Albanus Kinyua, chairperson religious caucus, Alex Khamasi, national coordinator counties (Kakamega), Brenda Wanjiru, executive director (Busia), Christopher Mwadime, secretary devolution (Taita Taveta), Mercy Gakuya, secretary for education (Nairobi), Elvan Nyambura, secretary international affairs (Murang’a) and Hussein Athmani, secretary for tourism (Kilifi).

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Gachagua has announced a big event to launch his party, setting the stage for an epic battle with his former boss, President William Ruto. By bringing the launch to the historic Kasarani stadium, the former DP is determined to send a political statement to his critics, who have in the past accused him of being a tribal leader.