Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Kipruto Arap Kirwa has stated that the role of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in the upcoming 2027 General Election and other political processes cannot be wished away.

While speaking during an interview with local media stations on Monday, March 9, 2026, the outspoken political analyst stated that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is an integral member of the united opposition and that his contribution in the next polls cannot be overlooked.

He further added that this is why President William Ruto is actively traversing different parts of the country because of what Gachagua is capable of doing politically. According to Arap Kirwa, the government is directing a lot of its energy toward trying to hamper Gachagua’s political activities in the Mount Kenya region.

Arap Kirwa, who also doubles as a chairman within the united opposition, added that whether people love or hate the DCP leader, he is going to remain politically relevant for quite some time.

“Gachagua is going to be a factor not only in the next elections but also in many elections to come. His politics might be abrasive to some, but people should understand that he will be around dealing with natural disasters for quite some time.”

Mt Kenya Politics

His remarks come amid growing speculation that the Mount Kenya region is slowly slipping away from Gachagua following President Ruto’s double victory in the recent by-elections held in the region.

Many political observers have argued that the president, who had lost support in the mountain, which overwhelmingly supported him in 2022 after Gachagua’s impeachment, is gradually regaining influence and has managed to pacify the mountain politically.

On the other hand, Gachagua has been moving across the Mount Kenya region in a bid to popularise both himself and his DCP party ahead of the 2027 elections.

His efforts are aimed at ensuring that President Ruto, whom he believes orchestrated his impeachment, is defeated at the ballot.

Gachagua’s political moves

He has also come out strongly despite his impeachment, establishing himself as the most suitable person to run for the presidency under the united opposition umbrella, which is now being rebranded as the United Alternative Government (UAG).

He argued that his impeachment in 2024 cannot bar him from vying for the top seat.

According to him, the law states that one can only be declared fully impeached after exhausting all available legal avenues