Kang’ata finally joins Gachagua’s DCP party ahead of 2027 race

By Newsflash Writer

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has officially declared that he will defend his seat on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket in the 2027 General Election, ending months of speculation over his political future.

The announcement, made on Friday, July 24, 2026, confirms Kang’ata’s alignment with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political outfit after distancing himself from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a brief statement shared on his social media pages, the governor said he would seek re-election through DCP while maintaining ties with the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi movement.

“On 20th July 2024, I wrote an article predicting political rise of H.E. Rigathi come 2027. Come 2027, I will defend my seat via DCP. But remain a bridge that connects with Linda Mwananchi,” said Kang’ata.

Months of political speculation

Kang’ata was later welcomed to the party by Gachagua, after visiting him at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri.

Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, where you belong.

“Today at Wamunyoro Residence, I was pleased to receive my younger brother, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Governor of Murang’a County, as a member of our party, DCP, the party of the moment and the future.

Since its inception, the DCP Party has grown into a strong national party with millions of followers and thousands of prospective aspirants ahead of the 10th August 2027 polls.

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata at his Wamunyoro in Nyeri on Friday, July 24, 2026. Photo/X/Rigathi Gachagua

We now have a Member of the National Assembly and three Members of the County Assemblies from across the Country, reflecting the face of Kenya. As we prepare for the next General Election, we are determined to be the majority party in both Houses and the majority across County Assemblies,” said Gachagua.

Kang’ata’s move brings to a close month of uncertainty that had kept both supporters and political observers guessing about the platform he would use in his re-election bid.

The governor had earlier ruled out defending his seat on the UDA ticket before formally announcing his exit from the ruling party on May 3, 2026.

His next political move became clearer weeks later when he appeared alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during a charged Linda Mwananchi rally at Kivulini Grounds in Thika, Kiambu County, on June 14.

During the rally, Kang’ata praised Sifuna, describing him as a leader with a promising future.

“Edwin Sifuna has a bright political future,” Kang’ata said during the Thika gathering.

His decision to maintain links with Linda Mwananchi, even as he joins DCP, is expected to fuel fresh debate over possible opposition cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Pressure shifts to Ndindi Nyoro

Kang’ata’s announcement is also likely to pile pressure on Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who has remained non-committal about his political future despite growing realignments in the Mt Kenya region.

Nyoro has kept supporters guessing by avoiding a clear declaration on whether he will remain in UDA, join DCP or chart an independent political path.

Political analysts view Kang’ata’s move as another boost for Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate support in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region ahead of the next General Election.

The Murang’a governor has in recent months remained active in opposition politics despite facing political headwinds. On July 12, 2026, a rally he attended in Nyahururu Town, Nyandarua County, was disrupted by violent clashes, during which his driver was shot in the chest.