DCP WITHDRAWS FROM BY ELECTIONS

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) led by former DP Rigathi Gachagua has opted out of three upcoming by-elections, saying the decision is meant to rally behind coalition partners in the United Opposition.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the party said the move was reached during a National Executive Council meeting where members agreed to step aside in favour of friendly parties.

DCP announced it would not be presenting a candidate in Muumbini Ward, Makueni County, instead backing the Wiper Democratic Movement led by Kalonzo Musyoka. The party also pulled out of the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward race in Bungoma County, throwing its support behind Eugene Wamalwa’s Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).

DCP has also retreated from the Mbeere North parliamentary seat, where DCP pledged to support Justin Muturi's Democratic Party. The seat was initially occupied by Geoffrey Ruku who was later appointed by President William Ruto as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development after Muturi's dismissal.

DCP also unveiled new internal structures, among them a National Elections Board (NEB), an Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), and a fully equipped Electoral Secretariat at its headquarters.

“This secretariat will coordinate strategy, logistics, messaging, branding and resource mobilisation for all our candidates,” the statement noted.

Gachagua said supporting the Democratic Party in Mbeere North was both a recognition of history and a step toward deepening ties with opposition partners ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” he said.

He added that Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi remained a strong figure in the region, describing him as having the “capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party into winning the seat.”

However, the party's decision was not welcomed by their initial candidate, Daniel Mbui , who also doubles as MCA for Evurore ward.
In a strongly worded social media post on Saturday, 6, Mbui termed DCP's steps as aimed at killing him politically therefore deciding to contend as an independent candidate.

Despite the fallout, Gachagua insisted the party would continue to stand with its allies in selected races, while still fielding candidates in many other contests.

“For all other elective positions, DCP shall field and mobilise fully to campaign, popularise and seek votes under our party ticket,” he said.

November 27 marks the date for the 16 ward by-elections and six parliamentary races in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja, and one senatorial by-election in Baringo.

Parties have until September 17 to submit the names of their candidates with the official campaign window running from October 8 to November 24.

The United Opposition led by their respective opposition principals are yet to declare the opposition flag bearer - a matter that posses a seeming stalemate with Kalonzo not willing to again shelve his president ambitions after dedicating his 15 years in favour of Raila, Gachagua viewing himself as the kingmaker who possesses enough mileage to topple Ruto and Matiang'i rallying behind the idea of being endorsed by the GenZs for the presidency.