Rigathi Gachagua’s aggressive move into the Mbeere North by-election — via his new Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) fielding its own candidate — has ignited fresh opposition fractures and handed President Ruto’s UDA a clear advantage.
By sidelining a negotiated consensus with the Democratic Party (DP), Gachagua is accused of political grandstanding. One X strategist blasted: “If they can’t unite for a by-election, 2027 is already doomed.” His U.S. campaign stopover now abruptly cut short, critics say, spells all ego, no teamwork.
Alarm bells are ringing across Mt. Kenya, with party heavyweights fearing a slide into disunity. “Gachagua is digging his own grave — handing Ruto the shovel,” a regional legislator quipped.
Should UDA seize the seat, the move could elevate Deputy President Kithure Kindiki — now serving at State House after being sworn in on November 1, 2024 — to the centerstage of Mt. Kenya politics . Analysts warn Gachagua’s tactics could trigger the “mother of all homecomings” for UDA, further burning bridges with figures like Martha Karua and Justin Muturi.
As one opposition blogger put it, Gachagua may be gunning down rivals — but he’s burying Mt. Kenya’s prospects in the process.
