Gathungu’s bid shakes up 2027 Ndaragwa race

By Newsflash Reporter

Leshau Pondo MCA Peter Gathungu Kamau’s declaration to vie for the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat in 2027 has sent shockwaves through the constituency, forcing other aspirants back to the drawing board.

His announcement comes hot on the heels of the dramatic impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October last year, an event that has realigned the national political landscape.

It also coincides with Gachagua’s unveiling of his new political vehicle — the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) — signaling a bold comeback strategy as the 2027 general election looms.

Gachagua’s growing popularity in the Mt Kenya region and across the country has rapidly elevated the DCP into a formidable grassroots force. The party has captured the imagination of voters disillusioned with the current regime, positioning itself as the new political home for a populace hungry for change.

His decision to align with leading figures from the United Opposition — including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), Martha Karua (PLP), Dr Fred Matiang’i, and Saitoti Torome — has significantly altered Mt Kenya’s political trajectory. The emerging alliance is being seen as a credible alternative to the ruling coalition, with Gachagua positioning himself as a key player in the unfolding opposition matrix.

Since October last year, MPs from the Mt Kenya region who were seen as backing Gachagua’s ouster from the Deputy Presidency have faced intense backlash from their constituents. Notably, Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua has struggled to reconnect with his base, amid accusations of betrayal and political opportunism.

Interestingly, Gathungu — once a staunch supporter and confidant of MP Gachagua — played a critical role in shaping his rise during the hotly contested United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries. At the time, Gathungu orchestrated a winning strategy that helped Gachagua fend off a spirited challenge from Simon Ng’ang’a Unicore. He also served as a key mobiliser in the campaign that unseated long-serving MP Jeremiah Kioni in the 2022 general election.

From trusted ally to political rival

Gathungu was widely expected to lead MP Gachagua’s re-election campaign in 2027. However, a rift between the two emerged following Gachagua’s support for the impeachment motion against his namesake and former Deputy President.

“I had committed to support my brother, George Gachagua, for a second term as Ndaragwa MP. But his betrayal of the electorate by voting to impeach (former DP) Gachagua has made my support untenable,” Gathungu said in a recent interview.

MCA Gathungu Kamau’s 2027 campaign poster. Photo/Handout.

Since the fallout, Gathungu has crisscrossed Leshau Pondo Ward, mobilizing his base and explaining the reasons behind his decision. In every stopover, residents have responded with overwhelming support, endorsing his parliamentary bid with enthusiasm.

Reigniting the political map

The second-term MCA’s candidacy is quickly reshaping the political landscape, particularly in Leshau Pondo and Kiriita wards—areas that share deep historical, social, and political ties. Kiriita, once part of the larger Leshau Pondo location under the defunct Nyandarua County Council, spans regions like Mairo Inya and Githima, where Gathungu is establishing strong grassroots networks.

Political observers say Gathungu’s moves are placing both the incumbent MP George Gachagua and former MP Waweru Nderitu in difficult positions. “Gathungu’s candidacy has been embraced wholeheartedly by voters from Leshau Pondo and increasingly in Kiriita,” says Joel Karugu, a political analyst familiar with the region.

“MP Gachagua and former MP Waweru were counting on sharing the Leshau Pondo vote. With Gathungu’s entry, they’ll be lucky to get a handful of votes,” Karugu added.

Deep roots and expanding influence

Gathungu’s deep familial and social ties in Kiriita—particularly around Ritaya Polling Station, the most populous in the ward—give him a strong launchpad. His extended family holds deep connections in the Ritaya settlement, and he is expected to perform well in Kimaru as well. His growing influence threatens to lock out both Gachagua and Waweru from key voting blocs.

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau making a call to former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua at a past function. Photo/Handout

Further strengthening his hand are new entrants from Kiriita like Engineer Simon Mbote Lia and U.S.-based philanthropist Jacob “Jakes” Macharia Chege. However, Gathungu is widely seen as the candidate to beat, thanks to his head start and entrenched support in Leshau Pondo and Kiriita.

In the broader Lower Ndaragwa region—including Shamata—Gathungu is gaining ground, especially in Kirima Location and Gatu, where families from Gicagi gia Kihingo kia Raichiri in Leshau Pondo have settled. His chances are equally strong in the Lake Region, which has historically voted in tandem with Leshau Pondo and Lower Kiriita since the days of former MP Gachaa Muchiri.

Complicated terrain in Shamata and Central wards

Shamata Ward may prove more competitive. Areas like Gatu and Kirima could favour Gathungu, but Shamata Proper has a long-standing history of supporting local candidates. Likely aspirants include Simon Ng’ang’a Unicore, Wachira wa Maitho, Nderi Ndiani, and possibly area MCA Reuben Gitahi Njamha, should he throw his hat into the ring.

In Central Ward, MCA Mwangi Kagwe—who has declared interest in the seat—and former MP Jeremiah Kioni are the leading names. Kagwe is expected to dominate the SK region (covering Kiandongoro, Kiriogo, Kambura-ini, Kiharo, and Kariki), while Kioni is likely to command the upper Central areas like Maili Kumi, Subuku, Kanyagia, and Gwa Kihara. Gathungu, on the other hand, is poised to lead in Lower Central’s 11 polling stations—an area he has invested in as a horticultural farmer and longtime resident.

A race redefined

Gathungu’s strategic advantages—spanning Leshau Pondo, Kiriita, parts of Shamata, and Lower Central—have significantly disrupted the dynamics of the 2027 Ndaragwa race. The second-term MCA and former Majority Leader in the Nyandarua County Assembly is now emerging as one of the most consequential figures in the upcoming contest.

His entry has dramatically reshaped the race, turning what was once a predictable political equation into a competitive, multi-cornered battle with shifting alliances and redefined power centers. As campaigns pick up steam, all eyes will be on whether Gathungu can convert his early momentum into a full-blown electoral triumph.