Gachagua gains ground in Mt Kenya as 10 UDA MCAs join DCP
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 12, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has welcomed 10 Members of the County Assembly from Kirinyaga who have defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 11, 2026, Gachagua said the leaders visited him at his Wamunyoro residence, where they formally declared their decision to align with his political outfit.
According to him, the delegation informed him that their voters had directed them to join DCP and take a stand against what they described as the oppression and persecution of Kenyans.
The former deputy president praised the MCAs for following the wishes of their constituents, saying their decision reflects the political mood on the ground as the country begins positioning itself ahead of the next General Election. He urged the leaders to remain firm despite possible intimidation or political pressure following their defection.
“This morning, I received a delegation of 10 members of the County Assembly of Kirinyaga who visited me at my Wamunyoro residence. They conveyed that they have been instructed by their voters to join the DCP party and to stand as defenders of the community, abandoning those who persecute and oppress the people of Kenya.
“I commended the members for aligning with the wishes of their constituents as we prepare for the Next year General Elections.”
Gachagua also noted that the development comes at a time when he is preparing for a three-day political tour of Kirinyaga County, a region expected to play a key role in his growing political activities in the Mount Kenya bloc.
The list of MCAs
The MCAs who joined DCP include Jeremiah Makimi of Kariti Ward, Isaiah Mbogo of Kabare Ward, Mutithi Ward Deputy Speaker Jinaro Jemumo, Timothy Kariuki-Sedi of Njukini Ward, Thomas Mwangi of Mukure Ward, Fredrick Maina Karimi of Inoi Ward, Geoffrey Murimi of Kiine Ward, Peter Njiru-Weche of Wamumu Ward, Peter Karinga of Tebere Ward and James Wambu of Kangai Ward.
Their entry into DCP adds to other Kirinyaga MCAs who had earlier aligned themselves with Gachagua’s political camp. These include David Mathenge of Baragwi Ward, Kawangui of Mutira Ward and Eric Muchina of Kerugoya Town Ward.
Njeri Maina slams Malala
The development comes hours after Jane Njeri Maina, the Kirinyaga Woman Representative, accused Cleophas Malala, the deputy party leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), of convening a meeting with several Kirinyaga MCAs allied to Governor Anne Waiguru.
Njeri claimed the meeting was aimed at undermining the political influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Kirinyaga County.
According to the lawmaker, the discussions were meant to slow down Gachagua’s mobilisation efforts in the county as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the next General Election