Former Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki has officially joined the Democratic Change Party (DCP) as she eyes the Nyandarua gubernatorial seat in 2027.

The former CS was welcomed to the party by the party leader, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In a photo posted by the party, she is seen smiling as she shakes hands with the party leader, with a DCP staff draped around her neck as a sign of acceptance into the party.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, through its official social media pages, the DCP party welcomed her, stating:

 “We are honoured to have you join the Party of the People—a movement that truly resonates with the grassroots and stands for all like-minded individuals committed to building a better future.”

It appeared to be a busy day for the party, as the party leader was also seen in other photos posted on social media welcoming new members and aspirants to the party.

“To our new members, Welcome to the DCP Party, the party that listens to the ground. Your presence here signifies a shared commitment to the journey of liberating our country. Together, we’re stronger, united by our vision for a brighter future,” DCP said in a statement.

Sicily Kariuki has now come out publicly, she has aligned herself with former Deputy President Gachagua.

In April 2025, she announced her bid for the Nyandarua gubernatorial seat under Gachagua’s new party, openly criticising President Ruto’s administration over regional challenges and controversial budgetary decisions. She, accompanied by her husband, also paid a visit to Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home.

Welcome on Board former CS Sicily Kariuki to the DCP Party.

We are honored to have you join the Party of the People — a movement that truly resonates with the grassroots and stands for all like-minded individuals committed to building a better future. pic.twitter.com/Vu5P3ll6Zj

— DCP PARTY (@DCP_Democracy) June 24, 2025

Previous roles

Previously, Kariuki served as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs (2015–2018); Health (2018–2020); and Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (2020–2022) under President Uhuru Kenyatta.

She resigned in 2022 to contest the Nyandarua gubernatorial seat under the Jubilee Party but later withdrew after party consultations, choosing to support incumbent Governor Francis Kimemia.

Her development track record includes initiating irrigation projects, upgrading hospitals in Embu, and boosting Kenya’s tea exports during her tenure as CEO of the Tea Board of Kenya. In 2022, leaders from Embu County urged her to run for governor there, citing her development achievements in the region.