DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua is stepping up efforts to expand the DCP foothold beyond its Mt Kenya base, with the Maa region emerging as a key target.
Gachagua has in recent months identified Nairobi, the Maa region and the Kipsigis community as among the areas he intends to target as he seeks to transform DCP into a national political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His latest activities in Kajiado and Narok point to a strategy that combines recruitment of sitting politicians, cultivation of aspirants and sustained attacks on President William Ruto and his UDA party.
On Wednesday, Gachagua returned to Kajiado, where he campaigned for DCP and presented the party as the political home of the Maa community.
Speaking at Kipeto in Keekonyokie ward, Kajiado West constituency, Gachagua accused Ruto of failing to deliver on promises made to the region.
“I have come here but I have not seen electricity, water and roads that he promised,” the former DP said.
“And if he has not delivered for the last four years, what will he do in one year? I am urging you not to vote for someone who has not worked.”
He was attending the graduation ceremony of Ann Nashipae, one of DCP's aspiring candidates for the Kajiado Woman Representative seat.
Gachagua said the Maa community was already part of DCP's leadership, citing Kajiado politician David ole Persaina, the party's national chairman, and Martin ole Kamwaro of Narok, the deputy secretary general in charge of strategy.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku said the party was targeting all elective positions in the county.
Gachagua also received former MCA Lucy Mathenge into DCP. Mathenge, who served between 2017 and 2022, unsuccessfully contested the Kajiado Woman Representative seat in 2022 on a TSP ticket.
Her entry came two days after Gachagua announced the defection of nine Kajiado MCAs from ODM, UDA and Jubilee, describing the move as evidence that DCP was rapidly gaining ground in the county.
“I never asked the MCAs to listen to the ground; they are the ground themselves,” Gachagua said.
He subsequently claimed DCP had effectively taken over ODM's political base in the region, dismissing the party's leadership for ruling out working with him.
“I heard them [ODM leaders] say that they can’t work with Riggy G. What ODM are they talking about and it is already dead?” he said.
“I even pity Ruto because he was sold a shell. The real ODM left with Sifuna, Babu Owino and Caroli Omondi.”
Gachagua said local leaders had told him that “the ground is green” and that their supporters had instructed them to join a party that “cares and listens to the aspirations of Kenyans”.
The defectors include Kajiado Minority leader Isaac Kiresian of Magadi ward, Joseph Torris of Ewuaso Oonkidongi, Edward Lemomo of Kuku, nominated MCA Caroline Ndeti, Titus Matheka of Ongata Rongai, John Mutiga of Nkaimurunya, nominated MCA Nais Karia, Marush Kisemei of Oloosirkon Sholinko and Mbiriri Mwaura of Ngong.
Peter Tirishe, an aspirant for Mosiro ward, also joined DCP from ODM.
The group was accompanied by Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, Senator Seki and DCP Narok Township MCA Douglas Masikonde.
The defections give DCP an initial network of elected representatives in Kajiado, while allowing Gachagua to portray the party as capable of attracting politicians from different political formations.
The former DP has simultaneously been cultivating a presence in the neighbouring Narok, where he has sought to frame the 2027 election as a contest for political change.
On Monday, he campaigned in Narok East constituency, telling residents they were ready for “positive change and new leadership”.
At Nairakia-Enkare town, Gachagua said Kenya needed a change of administration in 2027 and that his political movement would have to reach every part of the country.
“As we enter an election year, we have no choice but to travel to every corner of our country to unite all Kenyans in pursuit of meaningful change in leadership,” he said.
The strategy is also backed by early electoral forays in the region.
DCP captured Narok Town ward in the November 2025 by-election, where Masikonde defeated UDA's candidate, giving the party an elected foothold in the Maa region.
Among the Kipsigis, Gachagua fielded Vincent Kibet in the May 2026 Emurua Dikirr MP by-election. Although Kibet lost to UDA's David Keter, his 10,760 votes provided evidence of DCP's attempt to establish a presence in the South Rift.
Gachagua has also sought to deepen ties with the Kipsigis, including hosting a delegation from the community at his Wamunyoro home.
His wider strategy extends to Nairobi, where he has previously declared will be zoned for DCP.
