A growing funding crisis within the political camp of Rigathi Gachagua is now pushing aspirants away, with fresh details linking financial demands to the fallout between him and Irungu Kang’ata.
The tension became public during Gachagua’s recent address in Murang’a County, where he openly asked Kang’ata to join his DCP party if he hopes to secure a second term. He also hinted at backing former PS Wairagu wa Maai, the party’s county coordinator, if Kang’ata fails to align. While this was presented as normal party mobilization, insiders say the real issue goes deeper—money.
According to sources, Gachagua had earlier promised Kang’ata a direct party ticket on condition that he supports party activities financially. The alleged deal required an upfront payment of Kshs 5 million and a monthly contribution of Kshs 1 million. It is claimed that Kang’ata paid the initial Kshs 5 million, a move believed to have influenced Jamleck Kamau to step aside from active politics, as he had earlier announced publicly. However, Kang’ata reportedly did not continue with the monthly payments, creating tension within the camp.
The situation worsened when Cleophas Malala is said to have contacted Kang’ata over the weekend requesting another Kshs 5 million to organize political events in Murang’a. Kang’ata’s refusal to release more funds is believed to have triggered Gachagua’s public outburst.
Insiders further reveal that Gachagua’s political operations are struggling financially. A single political event is said to cost up to Kshs 3 million, covering transport, logistics, security, mobilization of at least 1,000 supporters, and church contributions. Aspirants are reportedly required to raise about Kshs 1.5 million for Gachagua to attend their event, a demand many now find unsustainable.
As a result, aspirants across the region are experiencing financial fatigue, with some spending up to Kshs 1 million monthly. This has forced Gachagua to reduce his activities to one major event per weekend, often combining multiple aspirants to share costs.
While Gachagua continues to traverse the country building political support, the rising cost of participation is quietly pushing aspirants away. Kang’ata’s case now highlights a broader problem within the DCP camp—where financial pressure, not just political loyalty, is shaping alliances and exposing cracks ahead of 2027.
