Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has announced that it will field candidates in the upcoming by-elections following the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
On Thursday, July 17, DCP unveiled two candidates to contest for the vacant parliamentary seats in Malava and Banisa constituencies.
The seats fell vacant after the deaths of MPs Malulu Injendi (Malava) and Kullow Maalim Hassan (Banisa).
In Banisa, DCP presented Muhammed Aden as its flagbearer. Muhammed previously vied for the same seat in 2022 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ticket, where he emerged second in a tight race against the late MP Kullow, who had contested on a United Democratic Movement (UDM) ticket.
“I’m glad to be a member of DCP. After engaging with my 2022 supporters, they encouraged me to join DCP and contest the by-election under its banner,” the parliamentary aspirant said during the launch.
“I want to assure the party and all our supporters that Banisa will be the first seat delivered by DCP.”
Banisa Parliamentary aspirant Muhammed Aden to vie on DCP
He further said that his decision to switch parties had caused a political shift in the region.
“After I joined DCP, they all rushed to the State House. They’ve abandoned UDM and run to UDA. I want to tell UDM supporters: their candidate is a project — I am the people’s candidate. I’m the one to watch in this by-election,” Muhammed declared.
Also Read: Gachagua’s DCP Party Opens Satellite Office in U.S.A
Former DP Gachagua officially welcomed a delegation led by Muhammed earlier this month, after which the party expressed confidence in securing “a resounding victory in Banisa.”
The unveiling comes days after the UDM leadership, led by Mandera Senator Ali Ibrahim Roba, handed over its Banisa parliamentary aspirant, Ahmed Maalim Hassan, during a visit to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
Following the event, Maalim paid a courtesy call on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party Secretary General Hassan Omar at the party’s headquarters, signaling his alignment with the ruling coalition.
Race for Malava Parliamentary seat
Meanwhile, in Malava Constituency, a leading contender for the parliamentary seat is also expected to run on a DCP ticket.
DCP Deputy Party Leader and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah officially received Edgar Busiega Mwanga into the party, alongside other senior officials.
Also Read: Raila’s Men Meet Russian Ruling Party Linked to Putin
Although over 30 aspirants have expressed interest in the seat, the race has narrowed to five front-runners.
Besides Busiega, other front runners include the deceased MP’s son Ryan Injendi, who works for the Parliamentary Service Commission, Seth Panyako of the United Democratic Party (UDP), management consultant Caleb Sunguti of the Roots Party, retired Bungoma High School Principal Dr Enock Andanje.
Busiega’s decision to join DCP follows a string of political disappointments.
In the 2022 elections, he served as a backroom legal strategist for the Amani National Congress (ANC) but was reportedly sidelined after the ANC-UDA merger.
The late Malulu Injendi had been elected on an ANC ticket.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
