DCP: Koimburi wanted direct nomination in 2027

By Newsflash Reporter

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has played down Juja MP George Koimburi’s announcement that he had defected from the party, dismissing the move as inconsequential and insisting that the legislator had never been a formal member of its ranks.

Koimburi announced his defection on Thursday, January 14, describing DCP as “thuggish,” remarks that the party now says were meant to mask a failed bid to secure political guarantees ahead of the next polls

In a statement released on Friday, January 15, 2026, DCP Secretary-General Hezron Obaga said Koimburi’s claims of quitting the party were misleading, arguing that the MP had not participated in party activities for months and had remained on the periphery despite being perceived as an ally of the party leadership.

According to the party, Koimburi’s exit followed the leadership’s refusal to guarantee him a direct nomination ticket for the Juja parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, a demand DCP says runs contrary to its democratic values.

‘Never our member’

DCP said it was surprised by Koimburi’s public statement purporting to defect from the party, maintaining that he had never been registered as a member nor actively involved in its structures.

“Despite having been an ally of the party leader, Hon. Koimburi has not accompanied him in any public function for the last six months, offering various excuses,” Obaga said in the statement.

The party further alleged that questions had long been raised internally about Koimburi’s loyalty, citing claims that he had been recruited by President William Ruto to spy on the party’s activities in exchange for favourable treatment in several criminal cases.

DCP referenced a controversial episode in which Koimburi claimed he had been abducted by police, only for it to later emerge that the incident had allegedly been staged to evade arrest over land fraud-related cases. The party said its leader, Rigathi Gachagua, had initially defended Koimburi publicly, condemning the alleged abduction, before discovering it was a “classical con game.”

Following that episode, the party said its leader had become increasingly cautious in his dealings with the Juja MP.

Direct nomination demands

The statement details a meeting held on Monday, January 12, 2026, after Koimburi sought an urgent appointment with the party leader, citing stress and the need for clarification. The meeting took place at Gachagua’s private office and was attended by DCP Deputy National Chairperson Peter Mwathi.

At the meeting, Koimburi reportedly expressed anger and disbelief that his 2022 election rival, Aloise Kinyanjui, had been allowed to join DCP and had even been given an opportunity to greet supporters at Kimbo Junction in Juja constituency a day earlier.

Koimburi is said to have felt betrayed, arguing that having voted against a Ruto-sponsored impeachment of the party leader, he deserved preferential treatment. He claimed it was his understanding that all MPs and senators who opposed the impeachment would be exempted from party primaries and instead be handed direct nominations for the 2027 polls.

On that basis, Koimburi demanded that Kinyanjui be expelled from the party and that he be given a written assurance guaranteeing him the DCP ticket for Juja. He further sought exemption from appearing in public with the party leader until February next year, allegedly to help slow down the prosecution of cases facing him.

According to DCP, Koimburi threatened to return to President Ruto’s camp should his conditions not be met.

Democratic primaries

In response, the party leader thanked Koimburi for standing with him during the impeachment but firmly rejected the demand for a direct nomination. Gachagua reportedly told the MP that DCP was a democratic party and that all aspirants would be subjected to free and fair nominations.

“Exempting anyone from party primaries would be undemocratic and would effectively kill a party that is enjoying massive support,” the statement said.

Koimburi was advised to prepare for party nominations slated for March next year and to take his campaign to the ground. However, the party leader agreed to Koimburi’s request not to attend his functions if he felt uncomfortable doing so.

Despite the tensions, Koimburi later requested a photo opportunity with the party leader, which was granted. Images from the meeting were subsequently circulated by his supporters, pledging loyalty to the DCP leadership.

DCP said it now wishes Koimburi well in his “party of choice” and looks forward to facing him at the ballot in 2027. The party reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair and transparent nominations, to be overseen by its National Elections Board in line with the party constitution and the law.