KANG'ATA JOINS GACHAGUA'S DCP

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata has settled the debate over his political future by officially joining Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), weeks after declaring he would not defend his seat on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2027 elections.

The move, unveiled on Friday, July 24, marks one of the most significant political realignments in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Kang'ata also confirming that he will defend his gubernatorial seat under the DCP banner.

Gachagua welcomed the first-term governor to the party during a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, where several DCP leaders were present, including designated Secretary General Senator John Methu, National Organising Secretary Senator Mithika Linturi, Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa and other allied leaders.

Sharing the photos on his social media, Gachagua described Kang'ata's entry as a major boost to the party.
"Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang'ata, where you belong. Today at Wamunyoro Residence, I was pleased to receive my younger brother, Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Governor of Murang'a County, as a member of our party, DCP, the party of the moment and the future," Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President said DCP has continued to expand rapidly since its launch and is positioning itself as a formidable political force ahead of the next General Election.
"Since its inception, the DCP Party has grown into a strong national party with millions of followers and thousands of prospective aspirants ahead of the 10th August 2027 polls," he stated.

Following Kang'ata's entry, Gachagua noted that the party now boasts a governor, Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau and three Members of County Assembly, expressing confidence that DCP would continue making inroads across the country.

"As we prepare for the next General Election, we are determined to be the majority party in both Houses and the majority across County Assemblies."

This comes about three months after Kang'ata publicly declared that he would not defend his seat on a UDA ticket despite maintaining that he would continue working with President William Ruto's administration until the end of his current term.

During a press briefing on early May, the governor said his decision stemmed from differences over political strategy, governance and engagement with citizens rather than personal disagreements with the President.

"As is natural in public life, there are moments when honest differences emerge. My divergence is not personal; it is grounded in principle—specifically on matters of political strategy, engagement with citizens, and policy priorities."
He added:
"I hold the firm belief that leadership must be anchored in persuasion, not pressure; in dialogue, not coercion. Politics, in my view, is about winning hearts through ideas, humility, and service—speaking to citizens respectfully, even when they disagree with us. It also requires extending civility and restraint toward our political competitors, for they too represent Kenyans."

Kang'ata also argued that while the government had made efforts in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare and education, greater focus was needed to achieve meaningful transformation.
"While there has been effort toward these sectors, the focus and scale are not yet sufficient to deliver the transformation Kenya requires."

Even as he announced his departure from UDA, Kang'ata pledged to continue serving Murang'a residents while cooperating with the national government.
"I will continue to serve diligently in my current capacity and to cooperate with the national government in delivering development to our people."

At the time, he said he would reveal his political vehicle at an appropriate moment, having ruled out seeking re-election on UDA's ticket.
That moment came on Friday when he formally embraced DCP and confirmed his 2027 plans.

Before formally joining DCP, Kang'ata had increasingly aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi movement, a political platform associated with a section of opposition leaders advocating governance reforms and accountability.

Speaking during a June interview, the Murang'a governor described the movement as a citizen-driven platform that mirrors the aspirations of ordinary Kenyans.
"We are in that season where people have to take a position that reflects the people's wishes. It has nothing to do with me; it has everything to do with Kenyans," Kang'ata said.

He further described Linda Mwananchi as a "free market of Kenyan politics" that allows leaders from different political backgrounds to unite around common national interests and policy priorities.
Kang'ata argued that the platform offered an opportunity to champion issues he has consistently advocated for, including manufacturing, education and healthcare.
"I believe Linda will grant us that opportunity to champion for those causes," he said.

Kang'ata was, however, keen to stress that joining DCP does not mean abandoning his association with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
"On 20th July 2024, I wrote an article predicting the political rise of H.E. Rigathi come 2027. Come 2027, I will defend my seat via DCP. But remain a bridge that connects with Linda Mwananchi."
In a separate reflection, the governor revisited an opinion article he authored in July 2024, in which he predicted that Gachagua would emerge as a significant political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
"On 20th July 2024, I wrote an article predicting the then H.E. Deputy President Gachagua will be influential come 2027 – the money or the box metaphor," Kang'ata stated.

He argued at the time that Mt Kenya leaders could eventually face a political choice between remaining aligned to the national government for development benefits or following the region's political direction at the ballot, a scenario he now appears to believe is unfolding as the country heads toward the next General Election.