Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is facing growing criticism after a series of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants abruptly withdrew from the upcoming by-elections, raising questions about the party’s internal operations.
Gachagua had earlier told supporters that he cut short his U.S. tour to return home and personally oversee the by-election campaigns. But the move has backfired, as aspirants allege frustrations, heavy demands, and what they describe as a “pay-to-play” culture within the party.
The latest blow came on Monday when Magarini candidate Furaha Chengo Ngumbao, a National Executive Committee member, quit the race citing frustrations from the party’s Secretary-General and National Elections Board. His resignation followed closely after the Banisa candidate also stepped down. According to insiders, all aspirants have now abandoned their bids, leaving DCP without clear contenders just weeks to the November 27 vote.
Multiple sources allege that Gachagua’s team was demanding weekly payments from aspirants, with the party ticket said to have been priced at Kshs 5 million. This has fueled outrage among grassroots supporters, who accuse the leadership of prioritizing money over merit and community representation.
In his resignation letter, Ngumbao lamented the “persistent lack of communication, opaque decision-making, and disregard for grassroots voices.” He warned that unless the party embraces transparency and inclusivity, it risks alienating members and collapsing before 2027.
The exits deal a major setback to Gachagua’s strategy of using the by-elections to consolidate DCP’s presence ahead of the next General Election. Instead, the fiasco has amplified accusations of mismanagement and opportunism within his camp.
Political analysts now say that unless Gachagua addresses the growing discontent, DCP could lose credibility as a serious political force, especially in regions like Coast and North Eastern where it had hoped to plant its roots.
