Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has openly shown he wants a big role in the 2027 elections. He asked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to let his new party, Democracy for Citizens Party, take Kasarani constituency.
He used friendly language, calling Kalonzo his cousin, but the message was clear. He wants space for his party to grow. He claimed DCP is already very strong in Kasarani and would win easily if it gets the seat.
The current MP, Ronald Karauri, is an independent who supports President William Ruto’s camp.
Gachagua made the remarks in church recently, where he also laid out a huge dream for the alliance between Wiper and DCP. He said their partnership could take Nairobi governorship, senator, women representative seats, 16 out of 17 MP seats, and 75 of 85 wards.
But Kalonzo pushed back quickly. He said partnership does not mean surrendering seats. He warned Gachagua to stop giving the impression that Wiper is handing over Nairobi to DCP.
After criticism, Gachagua backtracked, blaming the media for twisting his words and trying to make it look like he wants Kikuyu dominance in Nairobi politics. He claimed he supports inclusivity and wants all ethnic groups to be represented.
Critics say his moves look more like personal ambition than national unity. Similar deals by Wiper and DCP in recent by elections backfired when they stepped aside and UDA still won.
The Kasarani request is turning into a major test. Gachagua cannot run for president unless his impeachment is overturned, so he is trying to play kingmaker by helping Kalonzo while strengthening his influence among Mt Kenya voters.
