DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua poses for a group photo with 11 Kirinyaga MCAs at his Wamunyoro residence after the ward representatives announced their decision to join the Democracy for Citizens Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.Eleven Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly have defected to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), in the latest expansion of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's political outfit ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua announced the defections on Thursday through a statement posted on his social media platforms after hosting the leaders at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
According to the former Deputy President, the delegation was led by Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina and included Jinaro Njamumo (Mutithi), Peter Karinga (Tebere), Peter Weche (Wamumu), Geoffrey Wadaudi (Kiine), Thomas Mwangi (Mukure), Fredrick Maina (Inoi), Jeremiah Makimi (Kariti), Dr Isaiah Mbogo (Kabare), James Wambu (Kangai) and nominated MCA Gichangi Bosco.
Gachagua said the leaders had formally declared their decision to join DCP and would seek re-election on the party's ticket in the 2027 General Election.
"This morning at Wamunyoro, I had the privilege of welcoming a delegation of Kirinyaga County leaders led by Eric Muchina, MCA for Kerugoya Ward. They have announced their decision to join the DCP Party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape," Gachagua said.
He added that the MCAs had committed to flying the party's flag in the next elections.
"These leaders have affirmed their intention to seek re-election on the DCP ticket, further fueling the party's growing momentum on the national stage," he said.
The defections come barely a week after Gachagua announced that Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and members of the Nyandarua County Assembly had also joined DCP.
At the time, Gachagua said the governor and the MCAs had committed to defending their seats on DCP tickets and would participate in the party's nominations ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also said the Nyandarua delegation had conveyed a message of support from residents of the county, describing the move as part of what he termed a growing shift towards DCP.
The latest defections add to a series of political realignments within the Mt Kenya region as DCP continues its recruitment drive.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata recently confirmed that he would defend his seat on a DCP ticket, saying remaining in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would have placed his supporters in a difficult position because many had already aligned themselves with the party.
Gachagua has maintained that DCP is focused on strengthening its grassroots structures and recruiting leaders across the country before entering formal coalition negotiations ahead of the next General Election.
Earlier this week, he said there was no hurry to settle on a single opposition presidential candidate, arguing that individual parties should first consolidate their support before coalition talks begin.
He has also proposed the formation of a coalition bringing together political parties associated with the one-term movement, saying the alliance would allow each party to retain its identity while working together towards the 2027 elections.
