Cash, bullying and betrayal drive exodus from Gachagua's DCP

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has repeatedly claimed that his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) will sweep all elective positions, especially in the Mt Kenya region. However, recent defections from his camp paints a different story.

Since Gachagua’s impeachment in November 2024, his popularity in the region has grown, with leaders who opposed his ouster gaining political mileage and access to their constituencies. Conversely, those who voted for his removal have struggled to win favor of their electorate.

As the electioneering period approaches, some of the leaders who passionately opposed Gachagua’s impeachment, even shedding tears on camera when the Senate voted to remove him, have now left his camp. They accuse him of bullying and claim he has turned the party into a machine for lining the pockets of the highest bidders.

Among Gachagua’s former disciples who have become his harshest critics are his former personal assistant Ngotho Maina and MPs Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), George Koimburi (Juja), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Mary Waithira Wamaua (Maragua) among others.

Others include former and aspiring MPs Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Daniel Ngaruiya  also known as Ngaruiya Junior (Subukia) lawyer and blogger Wahome Thuku (Othaya) and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, who also served as Gachagua’s political advisor at the Deputy President’s office.

While Gachagua has dismissed the defectors as traitors “bought by President William Ruto to betray him and his community,” the defectors insist they parted ways after realizing he was divisive, self-centered, and more interested in personal gain than the welfare of the country or his community.

Koimburi, the latest defector,  publicly announced his decision to sever ties with Gachagua, citing betrayal and deceit. The Juja MP accused Gachagua of abandoning loyal supporters who stood by him during his ouster, only to later embrace their political rivals.

He said the final straw was Gachagua’s visit to Kiamworia AIPCA Church in Gatundu South on Sunday, where the former Deputy President  paraded Aloise Kinyanjui, brother to former CS Moses Kuria and Koimburi’s long-time political rival as the DCP candidate for the Juja parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

Koimburi further hinted that financial inducements may have influenced the decision saying, “Money exchanged hands behind my back. I was sold out by someone I trusted.”

Wamuchomba, who broke ranks with Gachagua late last year despite her emotional display following his impeachment, accused him of bullying her into joining the DCP. She claimed her constituency’s interests could only be secured while she remained in government.

“Since Gachagua can’t deliver us roads, he should stick to Mathira Constituency. He wants us to ditch Ruto, yet it is only by supporting him that we can benefit from development projects. I was elected through UDA, and if I decamp, I risk being removed from office and my people are not ready for a by-election,” the MP said.

She also questioned Gachagua’s authority within the party, arguing that despite his public role as chief mobiliser, official records at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) do not list him as a party official or leader.

“If this party is really strong, why can’t Senators John Methu, Karungo Wa Thangwa and Joe Nyutu resign first, then seek election through their new ‘Masikio’ party?” she posed, daring DCP leaders to test their popularity at the ballot.

The MP described Gachagua as self-centered, accusing him of abandoning leaders whose vehicles were teargassed by police and allies who were charged with terrorism last year.

Gachagua has consistently dismissed claims from his former allies turned critics, accusing them of being “bankrolled” by President William Ruto to betray his one-term course. For Wambugu, Maina, and Wamuchomba, he alleged they were given money to spy on him.

In Koimburi’s case, Gachagua, through the party’s Secretary-General Hezron Ombaga, claimed the MP demanded direct nomination.

“Indeed, our party leader has been extremely careful after he embarrassed himself by claiming he had been abducted by police a few months ago, only to later discover that he had ‘abducted himself’ to avoid arrest over land fraud cases,” Ombaga said in a statement.

The party also alleged that Koimburi demanded exemption from attending public functions with the party leader until February next year, apparently to delay the prosecution of his pending criminal cases.

“He even threatened to return to Ruto’s camp if his conditions were not met,” the party added.

Some United Opposition leaders, led by Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, have come to Gachagua’s defense, claiming the defections were driven by financial inducements from the government and should not be interpreted as a sign that Ruto is gaining influence.

“The defections should not be misconstrued to mean the Opposition is losing ground; the traitors are being exposed. It should come as no surprise that others may follow, they will move until we have trustworthy leaders who cannot betray our people. If they were honest about their grievances with Gachagua, they could have joined any other party within the Opposition,” Muturi said.

Political analyst Harun Ndung’u believes Gachagua’s biggest challenge between now and 2027 will be defections from DCP to UDA or other parties, but he faulted Gachagua’s approach in explaining why allies have abandoned him.

“Every time someone leaves DCP, we are treated to endless stories about how bad they were and how everyone expected them to leave, yet none of this is mentioned while they are still in the party. If this is the route DCP intends to take, they will face a tough 2026, because the defections are only beginning,” Ndung’u noted.

Since 2018, MPs accompanied Ruto with all expenses covered. “Unlike Ruto, who built his party from scratch, Gachagua relies on MPs to fund him, the DCP, and its activities. Accustomed to receiving, not giving, they face a bumpy ride ahead. Defections are just beginning,” the analyst said.