Irungu Nyakera reveals why opposition has DCP candidate in Malava instead of DAP-K
By Aloys Michael, September 17, 2025Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Party’s Nairobi Patron Irunga Nyakera explained that the faction fielded a candidate in the Malava by-elections to bring a national outlook, and the decisions were based on poll consensus.
The statement comes amid concern over the DCP’s candidature in Malava instead of the DAP-K Party, which was poised to contest.
Speaking on Milele Radio on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Nyakera argued that the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua-led faction is hastening its muscle ahead of the 2027 general polls, and it has not sidelined other parties.
“DCP ni pia ni chama mpya. Sisi tunataka kuna Wakenya wengi across the country. Ukiangalia the leadership of DCP ni face of Kenya kutoka Nyanza, Mt Kenya na hata uko Malava,” he said.
It is worth noting that DAP-K supporters led by Barasa Mulukwana and Nancy Wanakacha, firmly rejected Malala’s request, vowing not to be coerced into voting for the DCP candidate.
The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Moses Malulu Injendi on February 17, 2025, while he was undergoing treatment in hospital.
Several political parties have shown interest in the seat.
Nyakera, a staunch ally of Gachagua, also clarified that DCP had to step down in the Mbeere North by-elections race after consensus to ensure the inclusivity of the other factions.
The party pleaded to support opposition candidates in the by-election.
“Ukiangalia uko Mbeere, it’s also the same. What we saw in Mbeere is democracy. Walikaa chini wakafanya polls wakaona nani ako mbele. Wakaona, a candidate of DP, ndiye ako mbele. Wakasema, “If we continue with the candidate wa DCP, atakula kura ya candidate wa DP, na pia Jubilee wakaona atakula kura ya United Opposition,” he explained.
In a statement issued by Gachagua, he said the decision was informed by the need to build cordial relations with like-minded partners within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in the Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” he said.
“This decision has also been informed by the recognition that the Hon Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, is a great leader from that region with enhanced capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party into winning the seat.”
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, the incumbent MP, was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto to head the Public Service and Human Capital Development docket on March 26, 2025.