Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has defended the decision by his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) not to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, September 21, 2025, he explained that the move was aimed at consolidating the opposition and avoiding a split that could benefit the ruling party.

“If DCP had fielded a candidate in the Mbeere North by-election, it would have risked splitting the opposition vote, handing the UDA candidate an easy victory,” Gachagua said. “In the spirit of unity and strategy, DCP entered into a consensus and agreed to support the DP candidate to ensure a stronger, consolidated voice for the people.”

Gachagua noted that the decision was not about sidelining potential candidates but about strengthening the opposition’s position in the constituency. By rallying behind Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki, he said the opposition aimed to present a united front that could challenge the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) effectively.

The Mbeere North by-election has attracted national attention, with several political heavyweights entering the race. UDA, led by President William Ruto, has endorsed Leonard Muthende, while DP has put forward Kariuki. In addition, Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party has entered Duncan Mbui, a former DCP candidate, adding a new dimension to the contest.

Also watch:Ndegwa Njiru explains how opposition will beat Ruto with Mbeere North test.

Warns against Mbui defection

Gachagua argued that DCP’s strategy was necessary to prevent vote fragmentation, particularly given the presence of multiple candidates and the high stakes involved. He stressed that the party’s decision was in line with the broader goal of opposition unity in Mount Kenya, a region often seen as a key battleground in national politics.

He also took the opportunity to warn Mbeere North voters against supporting Duncan Mbui, the Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate backed by Moses Kuria. Gachagua accused President William Ruto of planting “wheelbarrows” in Mount Kenya to divide votes and weaken the region’s unity.

“Ruto has got several wheelbarrows in the mountain so as to divide the votes,” he said. “I said that Kiunjuri is a wheelbarrow, I also said Kabogo is a wheelbarrow. He has a lot of wheelbarrows he is moving around. He has two in Murang’a, one in Kiambu, one in Kirinyaga, and even this one for Kuria.”

Gachagua singled out Mbui, saying his switch to Kuria’s CCK was proof of Ruto’s influence.

“This guy who was in DCP called Mbui—Ruto sent Kuria. You know Kuria left his job as Ruto’s advisor, and I have always told people it is Ruto who sends him to divide our house. And you see this has now started in Mbeere,” he stated.

Mbui was originally the DCP candidate for the by-election but quit earlier this month, citing betrayal by his party. He later received the CCK certificate from Kuria in Ishiara during a rally attended by thousands of supporters.