Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has downplayed the recent wave of defections from his party, claiming that those who have crossed over to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) were never loyal in the first place. According to Gachagua, the departing leaders were planted moles working on behalf of President William Ruto, and their exit is part of a broader scheme to destabilize DCP from within.
Speaking on Monday in Kilifi County during a three-day retreat for DCP party leaders, the former Deputy President accused UDA of deliberately orchestrating internal divisions in his party. He said the defections, rather than weakening DCP, have helped expose individuals who were never committed to the party’s vision and values.
Gachagua adopted a combative tone, breaking his silence after days of sustained political losses as several of his allies abandoned DCP for the ruling party. He insisted that the departures do not signal the collapse of his political movement but instead mark the beginning of a cleanup process aimed at strengthening party discipline and loyalty.
Addressing the most recent defection of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi, Gachagua revealed that the fallout stemmed from disagreements over party nominations. He explained that Koimburi had demanded a direct nomination ticket, a request the party leadership firmly rejected. Gachagua emphasized that DCP is built on democratic principles and cannot issue automatic nominations, regardless of personal loyalty or past political support.
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He noted that even leaders who supported him during his impeachment could not expect special treatment, stressing that party nominations would be conducted through transparent and competitive processes. According to him, political entitlement has no place in a party that seeks to promote fairness and internal democracy.
Gachagua further maintained that those exiting the party were acting on instructions from UDA and that their departure would not derail DCP’s long-term political agenda. He said the party remains solid and focused, despite attempts to weaken it through defections and propaganda.
Nevertheless, the exodus from DCP has been significant, particularly in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region, where Gachagua was once considered politically dominant. Among those who have left are Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, and Maragwa legislator Mary Wamaua. The loss of these figures has fueled speculation about DCP’s grip on the region.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has also drawn attention after sending mixed signals about his political allegiance. His recent appearance at a UDA grassroots leaders’ meeting held at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri raised eyebrows and sparked unease among his supporters, many of whom are uncertain about where he stands politically.
At the same time, President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have intensified their political outreach in the Mt. Kenya region. Their coordinated charm offensive, which includes frequent visits and engagement with grassroots leaders, appears aimed at reclaiming influence and consolidating support ahead of the 2027 general election.
As the battle for the political soul of Mt. Kenya gathers momentum, Gachagua faces the challenge of stabilizing his party while countering UDA’s growing presence in the region. Whether DCP can withstand the defections and remain a formidable force remains to be seen, but Gachagua insists that the party is stronger without what he terms political infiltrators.
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