Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), describing the move as another sign of growing support for the opposition outfit.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, Gachagua said the governor had joined the party together with members of the Nyandarua County Assembly.
“I am delighted to receive Governor Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua County and the entire County Assembly into the DCP Party,” Gachagua said.
According to the former Deputy President, the leaders pledged to defend their seats on DCP tickets in the 2027 General Election.
“They have assured me that they will defend their seats on DCP Party tickets, and they shall form part of the aspirants in the party primaries next year,” he said.
Gachagua also promised free and fair party nominations, saying all aspirants would get an equal chance to compete.
The former Deputy President said the Nyandarua leaders had joined what he described as the country’s “liberation” movement.
“The people of Nyandarua County, led by their Governor, have brought a message of goodwill from the people of Nyandarua County. They are answering the call for the liberation of Kenya. To them, the future is green,” he said.
This comes days after Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata also joined the outfit after publicly declaring he would not be defending his seat on UDA.
Gachagua used the occasion to renew his attacks on the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claiming more leaders were abandoning the party.
“The mass exodus from unpopular parties, notably the infamous UDA, continues,” he added.
The latest defection is expected to boost DCP’s growing presence in the Mt Kenya region as Gachagua steps up efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.