DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses a charged rally at Mutonyora, Kinangop Constituency on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Photo/Rigathi Gachagua/X
By Home News Correspondents
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, August 2, launched a blistering political offensive in Kinangop, vowing to continue exposing “secret government dealings” that he claims threaten the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans, even as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki accused the opposition of promoting ethnic and divisive politics.
Moving under his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) banner, Gachagua used the highly calculated tour of Nyandarua County to aggressively solidify his hold on the Mt Kenya voter base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The campaign trail kicked off with a Holy Mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Murungaru, accompanied by Nyandarua Senator John Methu – the man credited as the talisman behind DCP’s recent Ol Kalou by-election victory – and other allied leaders.
Following the church service, his caravan moved through heavy, enthusiastic crowds in Murungaru Town, Ndunyu Njeru, Engineer Town, Njabini, Kwa Haraka and Mutonyora.
Gachagua used his roadside addresses to declare political war on Mt Kenya leaders allied to President William Ruto, specifically those who campaigned against DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho during the Ol Kalou mini-poll.
He emphasised a “people-centric philosophy” and declared that his 2027 presidential bid will ensure the Mt Kenya region is never sidelined or left unheard by state machinery.
During the tour, he publicly thanked the residents of Ndunyu Njeru and Engineer for “standing firm against all forms of betrayal and intimidation.”
‘Elders have asked me to face traitors’
Speaking during a meeting with Murang’a leaders at his Wamunyoro home on Saturday before dashing to Nanyuki, Gachagua said he had been directed by elders from the Mt Kenya region to pursue leaders whom they believe went against the community’s political interests by campaigning for the UDA candidate in the by-election.
“Elders have asked me to face those who went against the community in Ol Kalou in their home constituencies. I am going to begin with Kinangop, then go to Laikipia East and campaign against Mwangi Kiunjuri, who is one of the biggest traitors of our community,” Gachagua declared in Nanyuki.
According to Gachagua, the leaders asked him to visit each politician’s constituency and campaign against them ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He used his Kinangop tour to campaign directly against the area MP, Zachary Kwenya Thuku, a staunch ally of President Ruto.
A people yearning for change
Addressing supporters at a rally in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia County on Saturday, Aug. 1, Gachagua said his party had embarked on a mission to address what he described as injustices facing the country.
“We have embarked on a mission to rectify the injustices inflicted upon Kenya,” Gachagua said, describing the rally as the start of what he called a new political phase for the country.
“Nanyuki Town stands as a shining example of a people yearning for change. And indeed, change is on the horizon,” he said, thanking residents for backing his political movement.
The political realignment is not confined to Nyandarua.
Read more: Ichung’wa: Kameme FM host pushing Gachagua propaganda
Gachagua has pointed out that DCP is witnessing a surge in defections from the ruling UDA party and its allies, saying the movement will significantly reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Speaking after hosting a delegation of MCAs from Laikipia and Nakuru counties at his Wamunyoro residence on Wednesday, July 29, Gachagua said the “mass exodus” from UDA and the Service Party (TSP) indicated that the parties would become “mere shells” by the end of the year.
“The mass exodus from UDA, TSP and other wheelbarrow outfits to DCP is gaining momentum, and by December, they will be mere shells. I am pleased to have received 24 sitting MCAs from Laikipia and Nakuru counties, who paid a visit to me at the Wamunyoro residence,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua concluded his statement with the party’s slogan, saying, “Green is wealth, green is the future,” as he continues efforts to consolidate support for DCP across the Mt Kenya region.
Targets Northern Kenya
At the same time, Gachagua received residents from Northern Kenya, promising to popularise DCP across the region and urging residents to reject what he termed intimidation and poor leadership.
Speaking after hosting the delegation from Northern Kenya at his Wamunyoro residence, Gachagua said the region remained marginalised despite the advent of devolution and pledged to champion its development agenda.
“As part of my consultations with the people of Kenya, I received a delegation from Northern Kenya. I listened to their perspective and their unique development and economic challenges,” he said.
He claimed residents had expressed concerns over underdevelopment and inadequate service delivery, saying devolution had not fully addressed their needs.
“Northern Kenya must be liberated by all means. I will stand by the people of the North, come what may.”
The former DP urged the Somali community to remain united and reject what he described as intimidation, poor leadership and the exploitation of regional resources.
“I urge the Somali community to stand together firmly and say no to intimidation, bad leadership and the depletion of their resources,” he said.
He also appeared to reference recent political controversy over remarks directed at the Somali community, saying residents “must also be safe from venomous leaders who call other Kenyans hyenas.”
Gachagua said the Agikuyu and Somali communities had enjoyed a longstanding friendship and stressed that he respected the Muslim faith just as he respected all other religions in the country.
Seeking to expand DCP’s national footprint, he announced plans to tour the North Eastern region to popularise the party ahead of the 2027 General Election and encouraged aspirants from the region to seek elective office on DCP tickets.
“I will visit the North Eastern counties to popularise DCP and I encourage aspirants for various elective seats to vie through our party,” he said.
Jimmy Kariuki steals show
Aspirants for various seats in 2027 were given opportunities to greet the crowds.
In Nanyuki, senatorial aspirant Jimmy Kariuki, son of the legendary GG Kariuki, attracted significant applause.
He promised to ensure that monies sent to the county government from the national government would be used prudently for critical issues like stocking hospital pharmacies and upgrading roads.
He told the current senator, John Kinyua, to prepare to go home.
Read more: Ichung’wah heckled in Nyandarua
Coincidentally, when Senator John Kinyua rose to address the crowd, he received a hostile response, with sections of the crowd seen waving him away.
Aspirants for the Laikipia governorship who addressed the rally included Cate Waruguru and Koinange Wahome.
Waruguru referred to Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri as “a kibiririki” (helicopter), echoing Gachagua’s call for him to be rejected for being a close confidant of President Ruto.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed what he termed as “political noise” shaping the current national conversation, reiterating that his priority is executing his constitutional duties rather than engaging in premature politicking.
Speaking during a development tour of the Mt Kenya region, Kindiki stated that true leadership is defined by timing, discipline and results.
“We are the experts in politics. We may not talk much, but we speak at the right time. A good leader knows when to communicate,” he said.
The political divisions are intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua, who was impeached in 2024 and has since turned into a fierce critic of President William Ruto, leading the opposition charge.
Ruto and Gachagua were elected on a joint ticket in 2022, with the partnership helping Ruto win by marshalling support in Mt Kenya, the heartland of the Kikuyu people who are the largest voting bloc in Kenya.
Gachagua’s dramatic removal from office followed his fallout with Ruto, with an overwhelming majority of lawmakers voting for his impeachment.
About the Author
