With just over a year to the 2027 General Election, Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of political defections from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Since launching the party in May 2025, Gachagua has attracted several high-profile politicians, including governors, former Cabinet secretaries, former senior UDA officials and former legislators.
At the same time, several sitting senators and Members of Parliament elected on UDA tickets have publicly aligned themselves with DCP.
Here are some of the most notable leaders who have either joined or openly aligned themselves with Gachagua’s party.
Irungu Kang’ata – Murang’a Governor
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is among the biggest political gains for DCP ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an announcement on July 24, Kang’ata announced that he would seek re-election as Murang’a Governor on a DCP ticket.
His decision was seen as a major setback for President William Ruto’s UDA because Murang’a is one of the most politically influential counties in the Mt. Kenya region. In 2022, Kang’ata flew UDA’s party flag in Murang’a County and edged Jamleck Kamau of Jubilee Party to win the his seat.
Moses Kiarie Badilisha – Nyandarua Governor
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha joined DCP following the party’s victory in the Ol Kalou contest.
Also Read: Another Governor Joins DCP After Ol Kalou Victory
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua announced the governor’s move on July 29, while addressing the nation from Wamunyoro, accompanied by Nyandarua leaders.
Moses Badilisha entered elective politics in 2022 with the UDA, the dominant party in the region at the time, as part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition led by President William Ruto.
Mithika Linturi – Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi resigned from UDA after accusing the ruling party of abandoning the ideals on which it was founded.
He later joined DCP, where he currently serves as the party’s National Organizing Secretary. Gachagua has also unveiled him as DCP’s preferred candidate for the Meru gubernatorial race in 2027.
Cleophas Malala – Former UDA Secretary-General
Former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala is now the Deputy Party Leader of DCP.
After his fallout with UDA, Malala joined Gachagua’s new party and has since become one of its most visible national leaders. He has played a role in recruiting members, marketing the party across the country, and coordinating its political activities.
Millicent Omanga – Former Nominated Senator
Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga officially resigned from UDA and joined DCP in March 2026.
She was received by Gachagua at the party headquarters before announcing that she would contest the Nairobi Woman Representative seat on a DCP ticket in the 2027 General Election. Omanga said she had lost confidence in UDA and believed DCP offered a better political platform.
John Methu – Nyandarua Senator
Nyandarua Senator John Methu is one of Gachagua’s closest political allies and currently serves as the Acting Secretary General of DCP.
Methu was elected to the Senate on a UDA ticket in the 2022 General Election. Although he has taken up a senior leadership role in DCP and has been actively involved in the party’s activities, his political position has attracted attention because he was elected under the UDA banner.
UDA Leaders Who Have Openly Aligned With DCP
Besides the leaders who have formally joined DCP, several elected UDA politicians have publicly associated themselves with Gachagua’s political movement and regularly attend the party’s meetings and rallies.
Also Read: Malala Reveals Whether He Has Dumped Gachagua’s DCP to Join President Ruto
Karungo wa Thang’wa – Kiambu Senator
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa is one of Gachagua’s strongest political allies. Although elected on a UDA ticket, he has appeared at DCP events and has publicly supported the former Deputy President’s political agenda. Notably, he was part of the DCP Party that campaigned against UDA’s candidate in the July Ol Kalao by-elections.
Joe Nyutu – Murang’a Senator
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has also emerged as one of DCP’s supporters. He accompanies Gachagua during political engagements and has defended the party’s positions on national issues. He was also part of the team that campaigned for Kamau Ngotho of DCP in the Ol Kalou by-election.
Kamau Murango – Kirinyaga Senator
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango has been actively involved in Gachagua’s political activities and is among senators associated with the DCP camp despite having been elected on a UDA ticket.
Kanar Seki – Kajiado Senator
Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki has also been seen at several DCP events and is considered one of the legislators aligned with Gachagua’s political movement.
Wanjiku Muhia – Kipipiri MP
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who was elected on a UDA ticket in 2022, has also associated herself with Gachagua and his allies as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections.
Njeri Maina – Kirinyaga Woman Representative
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has also publicly associated herself with Gachagua’s camp and has featured in several political meetings alongside DCP leaders, although she has not formally announced her exit from UDA.
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