Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has suffered a major blow after Mbeere North by-election aspirant Duncan Mbui announced that he will run as an independent candidate.
In a statement on September 6, Duncan Mbui expressed his frustrations with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), accusing it of deliberately sidelining him and attempting to frustrate the ambitions
“I have been watching with a keen eye the ongoings at the DCP party and have come to the conclusion that the party is a members’ club within the so-called “United Opposition”. The club has been influenced to decide that DCP should not field a candidate in Mbeere North, which decision I view as a deliberate attempt to kill my ambition and that of the KivuiKivui fraternity,” read the statement.
“Arising from this, we have decided to go Independent. We have always been independent and shall win as Independent.”
He argued that the party’s decision not to field a candidate in Mbeere North was a calculated move to sabotage him, prompting his decision to vie independently.
The by-election is scheduled to be held on November 27, 2025.
Even as Mbeere North by-election aspirant Duncun Mbui declares that he will contest as an independent candidate, he must comply with strict requirements outlined by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a notice shared on Thursday, IEBC stated that candidates intending to participate in the by-elections as independents must not be members of any political party for at least three months before the election date.
They are also required to obtain a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties confirming they have not belonged to any political party during that period.
Also Read: IEBC Reveals By-Elections Dates [Full List]
Additionally, an independent candidate must submit their name and preferred symbol IEBC on or before Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
When registering, independent aspirants vying for County Assembly seats must also present a duly filled nomination form, a list of 500 registered ward voters with their signatures and national ID/passport numbers, and copies of those voters’ identification cards to the Returning Officer.
Also Read: First Test for Gachagua as DCP Unveils Candidate to Challenge Ruto’s UDA
Chaos Erupts at DCP Meru Office
To compound the challenges facing DCP in consolidating support from Mount Kenya East region, chaos erupted on Saturday, September 6, at the party’s offices in Meru following discontent among members over an overnight change of county leadership.
The unrest came after the ouster of County Party Chairman Timothy Kithinji, who was replaced by James Mithika.
Aspirants and members accused senior party officials of orchestrating the changes without consultation, terming the move as lacking integrity.
Frustrated aspirants have threatened to exit the party and vowed to bar party leader Rigathi Gachagua from holding political activities in Meru County.
During the heated meeting, some members likened the leadership shake-up to betrayal, accusing the new officials of diverting party resources.
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