By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 29 July 2026 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday intensified his political offensive against President William Ruto's ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), unveiling what he described as a fresh wave of defections led by Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, more than two dozen Members of County Assembly from Nyandarua, Laikipia and Nakuru counties, and a delegation of leaders from the Somali community.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Mathira, Nyeri County, where he hosted the defectors, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said the latest recruits had abandoned UDA and other parties to join his growing opposition outfit ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"I am delighted to receive Governor Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua County and the entire County Assembly into the DCP Party," Gachagua said.
He said Governor Badilisha had pledged to defend his seat on a DCP ticket and that members of the Nyandarua County Assembly would also seek re-election through the party after transparent nominations.
Gachagua also introduced a delegation of elected leaders from Laikipia and Nakuru counties whom he said had resolved to join DCP.
They included Laikipia MCAs Paul Kirenyi Leshuel (Mukogodo East), Nicholas Mwaniki Muturi (Tigithi), Irene Wachuka (Igwamiti), Catherine Nyokabi Kibui (Ngobit), Daniel Mugweru Muchemi (Umande), Simon Kanyutu Kimani (Marmanet), Samuel Mugambi Gatati (Salama), Stephen Ndiritu Kamau (Thingithu), Anthony Theuri Wambui (Nanyuki), George Karuiru Wairimu (Ol-Moran), Joseph Gitahi Macharia (Githiga) and specially elected MCA Mary Gathoni Muriuki.
From Nakuru County, Gachagua named Philip Wanjohi Ndiritu (Lare), John Mwangi Macharia (Turi), Jane Wanjiru Gituku (Maella), nominated MCA Ann Njaguara, Paul Kipkorir Tuwei (Kiamaina), George Wang'ang'a Mwaura (Elementaita), Simon Kamau Karanja (Kihingo), nominated MCA Bethsheba Kerubo, Wathiai (Shaabab), Eliud Kamau Chege (Mai Mahiu), Peter Njuguna Mwaura (Elburgon), Karanja, an aspirant for Molo Ward, and Isabella Makori (Subukia).
The former Deputy President claimed the movement of leaders from UDA, The Service Party (TSP) and other parties to DCP would continue in the coming months.
"The mass exodus from unpopular parties, notably UDA, continues," he said, predicting that the ruling party would be significantly weakened before the end of the year.
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In a move aimed at broadening his political appeal beyond the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua also hosted a delegation from the Somali community drawn from Northern Kenya, the region where Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale hails from.
He said the delegation raised concerns over underdevelopment, marginalisation and economic challenges facing Northern Kenya despite the advent of devolution.
Gachagua pledged to champion the region's interests, urging residents to reject intimidation, poor leadership and leaders who, he claimed, had used divisive language against fellow Kenyans.
"The potential of Northern Kenya must be realised. The people of the North deserve equitable development and a greater voice in the affairs of this country," he said.
The latest announcements form part of Gachagua's sustained campaign to position DCP as the principal challenger to President Ruto's UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the former Deputy President increasingly showcasing defections from the ruling party as evidence of growing support for his political movement.
President William Ruto is the leader of UDA, while The Service Party is led by Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri.