Gachagua claims DCP's influence is rising after three victories in polls

Former Deputy President and DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua during an exclusive interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on October 5, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has declared that it is a growing national force after clinching three out of five MCA seats in last week's by-elections, setting its sights on the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the reception of the three ward representatives in the just-concluded polls, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua said the victories demonstrate the party's increasing popularity across the country.

"Our newborn triplets... when the history of DCP, the party of the moment, is written, you will have a chapter," he said, referring to the winning candidates in Kariobangi North, Kisa East, and Narok Township.

The by-election results, Gachagua claims, demolished assertions that DCP is a regional or ethnically based outfit.

"President William Ruto has been going round telling Kenyans that DCP is a tribal party. I want to ask him today: is Kariobangi North, Kisa East and Narok Town Wamunyoro? This shows that our party is nationwide, and we are coming for you in 2027," he stated.

Since its formation, DCP has faced sharp criticism from President Ruto and supporters of his administration, who have branded the party as ethnically divisive, arguing that such community-based outfits threaten national unity.

Gachagua pointed out that the party finished a close second in Magarini and Purko wards, despite what he described as attempts to undermine them through electoral malpractice.

"State-sponsored violence, ballot-stealing and the regime disrupted the polls," said Gachagua.

He also warned that such actions could attract international scrutiny, noting that the route to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is beckoning.

"You have been to the ICC before for killing mothers and children in Kiambaa. I am warning you that you will be back there for the atrocities your government has been committing," he added. Gachagua also emphasised that DCP operates with internal democracy and transparency.

"DCP belongs to every Kenyan, and there will be no preferred candidate when issuing party tickets. All aspirants must go to the people and seek their support," he said.

He argued that this approach strengthens the party's credibility and distinguishes it from its competitors.

Cleophas Malala, the party's secretary general, highlighted the party's candidate selection strategy, which ensured representation across key constituencies.

"The first candidate we nominated was from Malava constituency, Wakili Edgar Busiega. The second candidate was for Magarini. Lastly, for Narok Town, Meshimua Masikonde," Malala said, noting that the nominations were strategic, ensuring DCP had strong, visible representation to engage voters effectively.

The DCP leadership outlined the United Opposition's plan in Nairobi, indicating that coordination among allied parties - including Wiper and DAP-K - could secure a majority of seats.

Gachagua said the coalition could potentially win 16 out of 17 seats.

He stressed collaboration with other parties in the United Opposition, saying that where Wiper is strong, they will field candidates, and where DCP is strong, other parties will also support them.

The former Deputy President, however, alluded that ODM, which used to be a significant opposition party, is slowly being dismantled by Ruto.

He further urged Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to join his camp in the event that they are evicted from ODM.

"Our doors are always open to leaders who have the people's interest at heart. So, Sifuna and Baba, when the time comes, just know you are welcome here," said Gachagua.