Gachagua’s DCP withdraws from 3 key by-elections
By David Nthua, September 10, 2025Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, announced a significant withdrawal from participating or instead fielding candidates in three upcoming by-elections.
Speaking to the media in Nairobi, the former Deputy President ruled out the withdrawal as fear of defeat driven, but said it was suitable for the unity of the opposition.
“For the sake of unity, we are making deliberate choices in areas previously held by our partners. This is not a sign of weakness but a commitment to the bigger picture,” Gachagua said.
Supporting allies
The DCP leader added, “Under the united opposition and our resolve for unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, leading to the identification of one presidential candidate to face William Ruto, we have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North Constituency.”
Watch: DCP suffers big blow as its frontrunner in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election quits party
The announcement follows a high-level National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi, where party leaders discussed strategies for opposition collaboration and electoral coordination.
“DCP has agreed to support the Democratic Party candidate and step down our candidate on the DCP ticket. We shall therefore support the Democratic Party candidate and ask our members in Mbeere North to support that candidate from the Democratic Party,” Gachagua reiterated.
Areas DCP will back
In addition to Mbeere North, DCP pledged to support the Wiper candidate in the Muumbuni Ward by-election and a DAP-K candidate in the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County.
Gachagua stressed that these moves are meant to strengthen the opposition coalition and increase the chances of presenting a united front against the ruling party.
“Despite paving the way for other opposition allies, Gachagua made it clear that his DCP vehicle would field candidates in other elective positions across the country and would mobilise the party’s supporters and resources to campaign under the DCP banner,” the statement from the NEC read.
It is worth noting that nine candidates are vying for the UDA ticket in the Baringo senatorial nominations.
The NEC also announced the establishment of a fully equipped Electoral Secretariat, which will be based at the party headquarters. The secretariat will coordinate campaign strategy, messaging, logistics, branding, and fundraising efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
To ensure smooth internal processes, DCP enhanced its two key internal organs, the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC).
These committees will oversee internal nominations and handle any disputes that may arise
Candidate Controversy
The decision comes shortly after DCP candidate Duncan Mbui withdrew from the Mbeere North race to contest as an independent candidate. Mbui had accused the party of being influenced by other allies in opposition, a claim that has sparked public debate across social media platforms.