Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru has come out to affirm her allegiance to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following claims that she had ditched the Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Party.

The outspoken leader, through her social media channels on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, dismissed the speculation that she had left the DCP Party.

This comes at a time when the party has, in recent weeks, witnessed a mass exodus of some of Gachagua’s allies who have since returned to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Waruguru maintained that she remains firmly in the DCP Party.

She went on to share a photo of herself alongside the former Deputy President and DCP Party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by a lengthy message aimed at affirming her true political allegiance.

Malala’s absence

This development also comes days after DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala broke his silence and was publicly backed by the party leader following growing speculation that he had ditched Gachagua. Malala and Gachagua have remained close allies since their ouster from the UDA Party.

Waruguru’s political journey

Following her loss of the Laikipia Woman Representative seat in the 2022 elections, Cate Waruguru has announced her return to active politics. She is now eyeing the Laikipia gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election under the DCP Party banner.

Speaking at a roadside rally in Nanyuki on Sunday, August 17, 2025, she told residents that the time had come for the county to have a woman governor, arguing that the men who had led before had crippled the county through corruption and misuse of funds.

She added that her constituency in Laikipia West had released her to vie for the top county seat and urged her to seek support from other areas, including Laikipia East, Nyahururu, Laikipia North, Ngorowa, Nanyuki, and across the county.

“Mimi Kama mama Simba, AKA Cate Waruguru, naomba kura yenu ya kiti ya Gavana. Laikipia West constituency wameniambia nitafute marafiki kwingine; mimi naomba baraka zenu; mnisaidie mara hii toungozwe na mama Simba,” Cate said.

Warugu’s Laikipia county quest

Waruguru, who is often referred to as Mama Simba, vowed that she would vie on a DCP ticket led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

She pledged that under her leadership taxes would be reduced. She also raised concerns about the state of health facilities in the county, saying hospitals resembled museums as they lacked drugs and other essential supplies.

As a close ally of Gachagua and being in the opposition, she also criticised the current government, saying it should not advance beyond 2027.

“Na mimi nikiwa Governor wenu kwa chama ya DCP, nitahakikisha Ushuru imeshuka, Maneno ya afya hospitali zetu zinakaa miseum hakuna madawa.” she added