NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that a delegation of leaders from Kirinyaga County has joined the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), in what he described as another boost to the party’s growing presence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The delegation, led by Kirinyaga County Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mutithi Ward MCA Jinaro Jamumo together with Kerugoya Ward MCA Eric Muchina, was received by Gachagua during a meeting at his Wamunyoro residence on Thursday, August 6.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Gachagua said the leaders had formally declared their intention to join DCP and contest future elections on the party’s ticket.
“This morning at Wamunyoro, I had the privilege of welcoming a delegation of Kirinyaga County leaders led by Eric Muchina, MCA for Kerugoya Ward. They have announced their decision to join the DCP Party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape,” Gachagua wrote.
He added that the leaders had expressed their intention to seek re-election under the DCP banner, describing the move as evidence of the party’s growing momentum.
The leaders who have joined DCP include; Hon. Jinaro Njamumo (Mutithi), Hon. Peter Karinga (Tebere), Hon. Peter Weche (Wamumu), Hon. Geoffrey Wadaudi (Kiine), Hon. Thomas Mwangi (Mukure), Hon. Fredrick Maina (Inoi), Hon. Jeremiah Makimi (Kariti), Hon. Dr. Isaiah Mbogo (Kabare), Hon. James Wambu (Kangai), and Hon. Gichangi Bosco (Nominated MCA).
DCP seeks to strengthen Mt Kenya support
The latest announcement adds to a series of defections and political realignments that have seen leaders across the Mt Kenya region gravitate towards Gachagua’s party since its launch.
The former deputy president has positioned DCP as one of the key vehicles for mobilising support in the region as opposition leaders begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election.
While Gachagua described the latest defections as a major political milestone, the overall impact on the county’s political balance will become clearer as more elected leaders publicly declare their allegiance and any formal party membership changes are effected in accordance with the law.
Kirinyaga political landscape
Kirinyaga County was one of Kenya Kwanza’s strongest counties in the 2022 General Election.
According to results published by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the coalition secured 19 of the county’s 20 elected Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) won 17 elective ward seats, while The Service Party (TSP), founded by former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, secured two seats. Jubilee Party won the remaining elected MCA seat.
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Among the elected MCAs, only one was a woman.
The 2022 election also saw only two incumbent MCAs successfully defend their seats, both on UDA tickets, while two former ward representatives who had lost in the 2017 election returned to the County Assembly under the ruling party.
Political realignments gather pace
The latest developments come amid increasing political activity across the Mt Kenya region as parties intensify efforts to consolidate support ahead of the next general election.
Gachagua has in recent months embarked on a series of meetings with elected leaders, grassroots organisers and political allies as he seeks to expand DCP’s influence in central Kenya and position the party within the broader opposition movement.
The announcements also reflect the early stages of political realignment, with parties expected to continue courting elected leaders and local officials as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
