Former Ruiru MP Esther Gathogo joins Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP Party
By Kenneth Mwenda, February 21, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed ex-Ruiru Member of Parliament (MP) Esther Gathogo to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as she prepares to contest the Ruiru parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua announced her entry on Saturday, February 21, 2026, through his X account.
“Welcome Hon. Esther Gathogo to @DCP_Democracy, the party of the moment, in your bid to recapture the Ruiru parliamentary seat,” Gachagua wrote.
“Free and fair nominations are guaranteed in the party, as we let the people decide.”
Gathogo previously served as the MP for Ruiru. During her term, she sat on the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation. She began her political career in 2008 as a councillor in the Ruiru Municipal Council, serving until 2012.
After losing the Jubilee Party nominations in 2017, she kept a low political profile. In that nomination race, Gathogo finished second with 7,340 votes as Simon King’ara won the ticket with 10,900 votes.
Nominated MP Isaac Mwaura came third with 4,632 votes, despite spending millions on his campaign. Mwaura later spoke about the high cost of the race, pointing to the intense competition in Kiambu County politics.
DCP gains ground in Mt Kenya
Gathogo’s move to DCP marks her return to active politics. Her entry strengthens the party in Kiambu County, a key political battleground in the Mt Kenya region.
As the country moves towards the 2027 election, such shifts signal changing alliances. Gachagua is working to grow DCP beyond Mt Kenya. He has publicly stated his intention to expand into the Rift Valley and other regions.
Gathogo joins a list of leaders who have recently aligned with Gachagua. Former Kieni MP Kanini Kega defected to DCP earlier this month. Kega, who also serves as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), brings experience from Nyeri politics.
Aspiring Westlands MP Nelson Havi also joined earlier in the month. Havi, a former president of the Law Society of Kenya, said he supports the party’s focus on citizen-driven policies.
The former Othaya Member of Parliament, Gichuki Mugambi, also joined DCP in January 2026.
Gachagua launched the Democracy for Citizens Party in May 2025 after his impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024.
Since its launch, the party has won three MCA seats in by-elections. Gachagua has also aligned himself with opposition figures including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa under what they call the United Opposition.
Gathogo’s return adds momentum to DCP’s activities in Kiambu. With less than two years to the General Election, the battle for influence in the region is already taking shape.