By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 5 August 2026 - Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up efforts to expand his party's influence ahead of the 2027 General Election after receiving a fresh wave of defectors from the Jubilee Party in Nakuru County.
Gachagua announced on Wednesday that former Jubilee Nakuru gubernatorial aspirant Joel Maina Kairu had officially joined DCP, saying the move reflected growing support for his party across the country.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page after hosting the delegation at his Wamunyoro home in Mathira, Nyeri County, Gachagua said Kairu had responded to calls from his supporters and residents of Nakuru to join DCP.
Kairu was accompanied by All Nakuru Jubilee Party Aspirants chairman Benson Preston Kariuki and several current and former MCA aspirants who also defected to DCP.
The delegation included Simon Moyi (Menengai East), Dommy Kiragu (Kiamaina), Kezziah Njeri Wachiuri, formerly the secretary of Nakuru Jubilee aspirants, Ayub Kamau Njane (Shabab), Paul Thuo (Kabatini), Timothy Kabutu (Rhoda), Josephat Waweru Mwangi (Lanet Umoja), former Eburu Mbaruk MCA Samuel Kariuki Mugi, Munyinyi Minai (Naivasha East) and former Nakuru East MCA Mwaniki Sonko.
The latest defections add to a series of political realignments that Gachagua has been showcasing as he seeks to position DCP as a major challenger to President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the next polls.
More from Kenya
Gachagua claimed more aspirants from across the country had already scheduled visits to his Wamunyoro residence ahead of his planned political tour of Nakuru County on August 14 and 15.
"The Democracy for Citizens Party wave is sweeping across the country and continues to attract aspirants and members in droves," Gachagua said, expressing confidence that the party's popularity was growing rapidly.
The former Deputy President concluded his message with the party's rallying slogan: "Indeed, the future is GREEN."