Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau. Photo/Handout
By Newsflash Team
A new poll by Newsflash has placed Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau ahead of other contestants namely Shamata ward MCA Gitau Njamba, newcomer Kamau Njambi (popularly known as Ka Njambi), CPA Amos Karoki, and Engineer Simon Ikua Mbote, signalling a tightening race for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ticket in the buildup to the 2027 General Election.
The Ndaragwa parliamentary contest—one of the most closely watched races in Nyandarua—is shaping up to be a dramatic three-horse battle.
The emerging frontrunners are Gitau Njamba, Gathungu Kamau and Ka Njambi. These three, each backed by growing political networks and distinct voter blocs, are increasingly dominating the conversation around who is best positioned to represent DCP in the constituency.
The poll sampled voters from across Shamata, Leshau Pondo, Ndaragwa Central and Kiriita wards, giving a broad picture of the shifting political terrain.
The results show Gathungu Kamau taking the lead, a development that has injected fresh energy into what was initially expected to be a predictable face-off between incumbent MCA Gitau Njamba and accountant Amos Karoki. With the race widening, the DCP nomination is emerging as one of the hottest preliminary contests in the region.
Gathungu surges ahead
Gathungu’s strong showing is attributed to what analysts describe as an “aggressive constituency-wide strategy,” which has expanded his presence beyond Leshau Pondo and into areas traditionally considered outside his home turf. His outreach efforts, community engagements and increased visibility across Kiriita and parts of Central Aberdare appear to be paying off.
Read more: Gathungu’s bid shakes up 2027 Ndaragwa race
Political observers note that Gathungu’s messaging on economic renewal, accountability and youth empowerment has resonated strongly with middle-aged voters looking for a fresh political alternative.
The Newsflash poll indicates that Gathungu has made inroads into Shamata, Njamba’s stronghold, while simultaneously consolidating the Leshau Pondo bloc. This dual advantage has pushed him ahead of fellow contestants, positioning him as the early favourite for the DCP ticket.
Njamba still a strong contender
Despite Gathungu’s rise, Shamata ward MCA Gitau Njamba remains a formidable contestant. A two-term MCA with a track record of visible ward-level development, Njamba maintains loyal support across the Upper Aberdare axis. His grassroots network, cultivated over many years, provides him with a resilient voter base that keeps him squarely in the top tier of the DCP race.
Njamba’s supporters argue that his experience in elected office, combined with his track record of consistent mobilisation, makes him the natural choice to challenge the incumbent MP in 2027.
Read more: Gathungu: Ensure Ruto’s promises to Ndaragwa are fulfilled
However, the Newsflash poll suggests that he may need to recalibrate his strategy, especially in areas where Gathungu and Njambi are gaining momentum.
Njamba’s advisers are reportedly re-engineering his campaign narrative to emphasise continuity, experienced leadership and ward-to-constituency expansion of development projects—key themes expected to feature prominently in his message over the coming months.
Ka Njambi: The disruptive new entrant
Perhaps the most intriguing figure in the race is Kamau Njambi, popularly known as Ka Njambi. The political newcomer has captured the attention of younger voters and first-time constituents eager for a generational shift.
The Newsflash poll shows that Njambi enjoys strong support among Gen-Z and millennial voters, largely driven by his bold communication style, digital-first approach and promise to “reset the politics of Ndaragwa.”
At public rallies and online platforms, Ka Njambi projects himself as the candidate of transparency, modern governance and youth inclusion.
Analysts say his presence is reshaping the political dynamic by dividing traditional voting blocs and compelling established players to rethink their campaign strategies. His rise adds a layer of unpredictability to the DCP primaries, making the outcome far from decided.
Karoki and Mbote still in the running
Though trailing behind the leading trio, CPA Amos Karoki and engineer Simon Ikua Mbote remain key players in the DCP contest.
Karoki is widely respected in professional circles and has been campaigning on a platform of fiscal discipline, structured development and administrative order. However, the poll suggests he must deepen his grassroots networks to remain competitive.
Mbote, on the other hand, has enjoyed rising visibility among technocrats and infrastructure-focused voters. His engineering background gives his campaign a unique identity, but like Karoki, he faces the challenge of expanding his reach beyond his core base.
The bigger contest: 2027 General Election
Beyond the DCP race, the larger battle for the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat looms.
Incumbent MP George Gachagua, elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, is expected to defend his seat. Gachagua’s incumbency gives him significant advantages in terms of visibility and development platforms, though the intensity of the upcoming DCP primaries signals that his re-election will not be a walkover.
Meanwhile, speculation continues that Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni may attempt a comeback. Although he has not issued a formal declaration, political observers believe he remains a potential wildcard.
Read more: Gachagua to visit Raila family in December
With Gathungu Kamau taking the early lead, Gitau Njamba maintaining a strong base and Ka Njambi attracting a new generation of supporters, the path to the DCP ticket is becoming increasingly competitive.
The coming months will test the organisational strength, messaging clarity and mobilisation capacity of all aspirants. What is clear, however, is that the Ndaragwa 2027 race is already shaping up to be one of the most intense political battles in Nyandarua—and the first shots have only just been fired.
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