Gachagua: DCP governors to share 50% of jobs with party

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has proposed that all Democratic Change Party (DCP) governor candidates sign pre-election agreements committing to share 50 per cent of county government positions with the party if elected.  

Speaking at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county, where he hosted leaders from the Maa community, Gachagua said the move is aimed at accommodating party loyalists and election losers who stood with DCP during campaigns.

“Governors elected on the DCP ticket will have a signed agreement. They will retain half the county slots, while the other half will be surrendered to the party,” Gachagua said.

“That way, those aspirants who may not win but are competent and loyal will have a place to go.”

The proposal, if implemented, would significantly limit the autonomy of DCP governors should they win in the 2027 general election.

It also redefines traditional expectations around governor seat power, where winners typically expect full control over appointments after investing heavily in campaigns.

Mixed Reactions

The idea has sparked internal debate, with some aspirants voicing opposition, arguing it undermines meritocracy and opens the door to patronage politics.

“The proposal is dead on arrival,” said one aspirant eyeing a governor seat in a cosmopolitan county.

“You can’t fight through a tough nomination, campaign across an entire county, win, and then be forced to cede half of your government—possibly to people who supported your rival.”

Others, however, see merit in Gachagua’s plan, saying it could reduce post-nomination fallout, which has historically weakened parties.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a close ally of Gachagua, downplayed the move as merely a proposal under discussion. “It’s just a suggestion. We’ve not deliberated on it in detail,” Muriu told the Star on phone. “I hope it will be properly discussed by party stakeholders to build consensus.”

A Strategy to avoid fallout,  Gachagua defended the plan as a strategic move to retain loyalty and keep the DCP united beyond the primaries.

“This is the only way to avoid fallout. We’ve seen too many parties lose strong candidates and seats because of internal wrangles after nominations,” he said.

During the Wamunyoro meeting, Gachagua expressed confidence that DCP would clinch governorships in multiple counties, including Nairobi and assured that nomination slots would be distributed fairly.

Among the leaders in attendance were Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku, Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Daniel Kanchori (Kajiado County), Joshua Olowuasa (Kajado East), Martin Olekamwaro (Narok North), Moses Birisha (Kajiado Central), James Lesere (Dalalekutuk Ward), Peter Tirishe (Mosiro Ward), Abraham Osoi (Matapato Ward), Ole Esho (Narok Elder), Benson Saayo (Narok Elder), among others.