By John Mutiso
Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has scheduled a trip to the coastal region of Kenya in a move aimed at popularising the party in the region heavily dominated by the Orange Democratic Movement.
The former DP took his X page on Friday, November 28, 2025, to confirm the plans.
According to Gachagua, the move will focus on meeting possible aspirants and establishing party offices in the region.
“This now gives an entry into the Coast Region. I will be in the Coast over the holiday season to meet possible aspirants and establish party offices. Well done, Stanley. We are proud of you!” he stated.
Speaking on the performance of his DCP party’s first candidate in the region, Gachagua lauded Stanley Kenga for emerging second in the Magarini polls.
Kenga challenged the 2022 polls after trailing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Harrison Kombe by less than 40 votes.
His second stab at the seat, however, culminated in a huge defeat in the by-election after Kombe secured 17,909 votes, more than double the tally he garnered.
Despite the defeat, Gachagua has dwelled on the positives, terming the run a strong showing.
“Congratulations, Hon. Stanley Karissa Kenga, our candidate in Magarani, for such a strong showing. For a new party—@DCP_Democracy—with no previous inroads in the Coast region, a credible second is more than acceptable,” he stated.
Kombe’s win formed part of a wider ODM success story, as the party clinched all three parliamentary by-elections held on November 27 across the country.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga joined officials in congratulating the victors.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how DCP’s foray into the coastal region pans out.
The region remains a stronghold of the ODM party, even as it appears a battleground ahead of the 2027 polls following the death of the departed ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The party has demonstrated glimpses of its grassroots presence with wins in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North MCA contest, where David Warui won on the party’s ticket.
Douglas Masikonde and Dickson Okwiri Aduda also bag wins in the Narok Township and Kisa East wards, respectively, to add to the party’s success story.
