Wanguku joins Gachagua’s DCP; ditching his party, TND

By Newsflash Writer

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has strengthened its growing influence in the Mt Kenya region after veteran Nyeri politician Dr Thuo Mathenge, popularly known as Wanguku, officially ditched his party, The National Democrats (TND), to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political outfit.

Mathenge, whose nickname Wanguku loosely translates to “poultry farmer”, announced his defection on Thursday, July 30, during a meeting with Gachagua at the former deputy president’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.

His move marks another significant boost for DCP, which has continued to attract prominent political figures from across the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Fresh boost for DCP

Mathenge has unsuccessfully contested the Nyeri gubernatorial seat in previous elections and remains one of the county’s most recognisable political figures.

Before joining DCP, he served as the Chairperson of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) board after being appointed by President William Ruto in November 2024. However, his appointment was revoked in July 2026, shortly after he publicly declared his decision to align himself with Gachagua’s party.

His defection comes in the wake of other high-profile political shifts to DCP, including those of Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, signalling the party’s growing appeal among influential leaders in the region.

Following his official entry into DCP, Mathenge declared that he had received Gachagua’s blessing to help expand the party’s national reach.

“IT’S NOW OFFICIAL: His Excellency Governor Dr Thuo Wangûkù gets blessings from the people’s president, H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH to promote and push the DCP Party to the whole nation ahead of the next election,” he said.

Gachagua welcomes new recruit

Gachagua described Mathenge as an important addition to the party, saying his experience and leadership would strengthen DCP as it prepares for the next electoral contest.

“At the Wamunyoro residence this morning, I had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Thuo Mathenge into the DCP party,” Gachagua said.

“He represents both the present and the future of our nation. Our party has evolved into a formidable political movement that will shape the future of our country.”

The former deputy president also reiterated the party’s slogan, saying, “Green is Wealth, Green is the future.”