Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has pulled out of contention in three upcoming by-elections, including Mbeere Constituency in Embu County.
Gachagua, in an announcement made on Wednesday, September 9, after attending the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi, said the party will endorse Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party (DP) candidate in the November 27 polls.
The former deputy president stated that the move was in line with the party’s commitment to opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“For the sake of unity, we are making deliberate choices in areas previously held by our partners. This is not a sign of weakness but a commitment to the bigger picture,” Gachagua said.
“Under the united opposition and our resolve for unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, leading to the identification of one presidential candidate to face William Ruto, we have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North Constituency.”
Gachagua’s DCP Withdraws from Mbeere and Two Other By-Elections
He also acknowledged that the seat had previously been held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term.
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According to Gachagua, the decision was also informed by the recognition that Justin Muturi is a great leader from that region with enhanced capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party to victory.
“DCP has agreed to support the Democratic Party candidate and step down our candidate on the DCP ticket,” he added.
“We shall therefore support the Democratic Party candidate and ask our members in Mbeere North to support that candidate from the Democratic Party.”
The DCP leader further mentioned that they have also agreed to support the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya candidate in Mumbuni Ward, Machakos County, under the opposition banner.
In Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County, DCP announced that it would leave the seat to the Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
Also Read:Â Blow to Gachagua as DCP Aspirant Goes Independent Ahead of By-Elections
DCP Candidate Mbui to Go Independent
DCP’s withdrawal from the Mbeere North race came just days after its candidate, Duncan Mbui, ditched the party to contest for the seat as an independent candidate.
Mbui in a statement 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.”
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