By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 24 July 2026 - The political battle for the Mt Kenya region intensified on Friday after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua unveiled Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata as the latest high-profile leader to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), dealing a significant setback to President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a statement issued after hosting the governor at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, Mr Gachagua welcomed Mr Kang'ata into what he described as "the party of the moment and the future", saying the move marked another milestone in DCP's rapid expansion ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election.
"Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang'ata, where you belong," Mr Gachagua said.
"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."
Mr Kang'ata was elected Murang'a governor on a UDA ticket in the 2022 General Election and has been regarded as one of President Ruto's key allies in the Mt Kenya region. His move to DCP is expected to reshape political alignments in the county and intensify the rivalry between the opposition and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mr Gachagua said DCP has rapidly transformed into a national political force since its launch, attracting millions of supporters and prospective candidates across the country.
He said the party already has one Member of Parliament and three Members of County Assembly, adding that it is positioning itself to become the dominant political outfit in Parliament and county assemblies after the 2027 elections.
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"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 August 10, 2027 polls," he said.
"We are determined to be the majority party in both Houses of Parliament and across county assemblies."
The former Deputy President was joined during the reception by several senior DCP leaders, including Secretary-General designate Senator John Methu, National Organzing Secretary Senator Mithika Linturi, Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa.
The defection is likely to heighten political temperatures in the Mt Kenya region, where DCP has been aggressively seeking to erode UDA's dominance as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential contest.
It also strengthens Mr Gachagua's campaign to consolidate support in a region that played a decisive role in President Ruto's 2022 election victory.