Methu, the party’s secretary general-designate, has emerged as perhaps Gachagua’s most visible political lieutenant, taking charge of DCP activities at a time when its leader is in the United States.
Gachagua departed on August 26 for an extended US tour expected to last about eight weeks. Before his departure, he explicitly handed responsibility for keeping the party’s domestic political operations running to Methu and deputy party leader Cleophas Malala.
But while Malala remains an important figure in the party hierarchy, it is Methu whose growing visibility on the ground is attracting attention.
His rise has also been rapid. Methu stood firmly with Gachagua during the former Deputy President’s impeachment battle and has remained one of his most consistent allies since Gachagua was removed from office in October 2024.
In May, Gachagua elevated him to secretary general-designate of DCP, replacing Hezron Obaga. The appointment also made Methu the party’s spokesman and placed him at the centre of its political mobilisation.
His first major test was the Ol Kalou by-election, where Gachagua tasked him with leading the DCP campaign. Methu subsequently became one of the principal figures behind the party’s successful campaign in the constituency, securing the party’s first MP
That victory appears to have accelerated his political elevation.
With Gachagua now away, Methu has moved quickly to demonstrate his role extends beyond secretary general-designate post.
He has led grassroots engagements in Laikipia, held strategy meetings with DCP-aligned politicians in Nairobi and taken an increasingly prominent role in the party’s mobilisation programme. On August 27, for example, he convened a meeting with Nairobi MPs allied to DCP to map out the party’s activities in the capital.
Days later, he led DCP engagements in Laikipia, including a church service and rallies in Kinamba and Sipili.
His political reach is also beginning to stretch beyond the traditional Mt Kenya base.
On September 1, Methu held talks with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, with the two discussing national unity, governance and inter-regional cooperation.
The senator is increasingly appearing to be one of the people entrusted with making key decisions for the party and stepping into Gachagua’s gap.
Speaking at the church service in Laikipia, Methu said: “Now that Gachagua is in the US, it is me who has been left here, and the people who had previously been giving Gachagua information are now sharing it with me”.
The senator also led DCP rallies and grassroots activities, including engagements in Nairobi and plans for further mobilisation in Nakuru.
A DCP insider described Methu as a strategic, hardworking and loyal ally, attributes that Gachagua has taken note of over time.
The legislator, who did not want to go on record, added that the senator is a ground mobiliser per excellence and a hard worker.
“The power shift within DCP is clear. While Gachagua is away on his 50-day US trip, Methu has hit the ground running, moving beyond boardroom politics to engage leaders such as Natembeya,” the insider said.
DCP activist Ciũri wa Gĩthinji said the secretary general-designate is clear evidence of political mentoring by Gachagua.
“Methu has kept the fire burning even after his boss Rigathi Gachagua left for USA. This is mentoring at another level,” he said.
“Methu is who he thinks he is. He has taken the challenge of leadership thrown at him by Riggy G.”
He added that the senator’s visibility was evident “from Nanyuki to Doldol in Laikipia”.
Until recently, the party’s political identity has been overwhelmingly centred on Gachagua. His personality, political networks and confrontation with President William Ruto have been the main drivers of its visibility.
