Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua/FILE
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua is set to tour Murang’a County on Thursday, August 20.
His visit comes amid emerging differences among opposition leaders over the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua will open a DCP office in Murang’a town at 11.30 am before proceeding to Murang’a town at 1 pm, according to his scheduled programme.
He is then expected at Kangari Market at 2.30 pm and Kandara Market at 4 pm as part of his Murang’a Skiza Ground Tour.
The visit comes a day after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro called on Murang’a residents to welcome Gachagua to the county.
Nyoro, who recently left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and unveiled the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), spoke as political differences emerged between his camp and allies of Gachagua over the future of the Mt Kenya region.
Nyoro has rejected calls to engage opposition leaders in public exchanges, saying opposition figures have a common objective of defeating President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
“I tell you my brothers and sisters, there's no day you'll hear me exchanging words or disrespecting any leader in the opposition, because our goal is one,” Nyoro said.
He also urged residents to receive Gachagua warmly when the former Deputy President arrives in the county.
“I want to ask you... my elder brother is like a father to me; he will also come here in Murang'a, let us receive him,” Nyoro said.
Gachagua’s visit will take him to parts of Murang’a, including areas around Kiharu, Nyoro’s political base.
The visit also follows criticism from allies of Gachagua over Nyoro’s decision to form and lead a new political party.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu, the DCP secretary general, has criticised the emergence of new political parties, saying they could divide the Mt Kenya vote ahead of the 2027 election. Methu said Gachagua had warned against such a strategy.
Nyoro has dismissed the criticism and said the formation of different opposition parties should be viewed as part of efforts to build political support before parties eventually work towards a common candidate.
He has also said PPK will not provide political refuge to leaders who have attacked Gachagua.
“If you have insulted former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, PPK has no room for you,” Nyoro said.
“Go and make amends with Gachagua.”
Gachagua’s Murang’a tour is therefore set to put the focus on the region’s evolving opposition politics as parties position themselves for the 2027 contest.
