Ngunjiri Wambugu: Gachagua playing it safe by pulling out of by-elections
By David Nthua, September 10, 2025Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, said the former DP Rigathi Gachagua played safe by bolting out of three key mini polls.
Through his Facebook page, Wambugu observed that while the move may appear cautious, it is a strategic calculation.
“But this is also a win-win for Gachagua. If the opposition wins, Gachagua will run away with the larger part of that victory. If they lose, he will claim it’s DP, Wiper, or DAPK that lost, not his new party. Smart!” Wambugu wrote.
Gachagua’s calculated withdrawal
The Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) announced on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a withdrawal from participating in or fielding candidates for three upcoming by-elections.
Watch: Gachagua’s DCP pledges support to DP, Wiper, and DAP-K candidates in by-elections
Speaking to the media in Nairobi, the former Deputy President ruled out the withdrawal as fear-driven, emphasising that 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 during a press briefing.
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 were meant to strengthen the opposition coalition and present a united front against the ruling party.
Opposition unity strategy
Gachagua clarified that while the party is paving the way for other opposition allies, the DCP vehicle would still field candidates in other elective positions across the country.
The party also plans to mobilise its supporters and resources to campaign under the DCP banner.
Also watch: DCP suffers big blow as its frontrunner in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election quits party
The NEC announced the establishment of a fully equipped Electoral Secretariat based at the party headquarters to coordinate campaign strategy, messaging, logistics, branding, and fundraising ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key internal organs, including the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC), have been enhanced to oversee nominations and resolve any disputes.
The withdrawal comes days after DCP candidate Duncan Mbui ditched the party to contest the Mbeere North seat as an independent.
Mbui accused the party of being influenced by other opposition allies, a claim that has stirred debates across social media platforms.
Wambugu’s commentary and Gachagua’s strategic manoeuvres are now dominating political conversations across Kenya, with analysts predicting that this could reshape opposition dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Elections.