Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sought to ease growing tensions within his Democracy For Citizens Party, promising that the party’s upcoming nominations will be transparent and fair.
Speaking during a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, Gachagua pledged that the party was committed to impartiality. “Our party will have free and fair nominations,” he told the congregation.
Turning to the broader political landscape, Gachagua reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to unity under the United People’s alliance, which has vowed to front a single candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 election.
“If we agree it is Kalonzo, will you support him? If it is Karua, will you vote for her? If they decide I am the one, then I will give Ruto a run for his money,” he declared.
His assurances follow a series of disputes inside the DCP. The exit of Mbeere North aspirant Nicholas Mbui, who opted to run as an independent, ignited unease that has since spread to Meru County.
Local party members have protested leadership changes imposed from Nairobi, accusing the party of sidelining grassroots voices.
Some youthful aspirants have threatened to block Gachagua from entering Meru unless the issues are addressed.
They argue that opaque internal changes cast doubt on the fairness of the nomination process.
The unrest poses a significant test for Gachagua, whose party is set to face President Ruto’s UDA in forthcoming by-elections, widely seen as a measure of his political survival.
