Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that his party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), will not issue direct nomination tickets to any aspirants, insisting that all party members must compete in free and fair primaries.

Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Gachagua emphasised that the party’s nomination process will be democratic and transparent.

“DCP will have free and fair nominations, and the election will end at the nominations,” Gachagua stated.

No special treatment for allies

The former DP made it clear that even his close political allies will not receive preferential treatment in party nominations, citing Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa as an example.

Gachagua told aspiring candidates that anyone wishing to challenge Thang’wa would be free to do so through the party primaries.

“The young person who wants to challenge Karungo should challenge him. Even though this Karungo is my friend, you will go to the nominations. Karungo, there is no direct ticket. You will go to the nominations. Where is that young person who wants to challenge Karungo? Start campaigning and challenge this person. If you beat him, I will give you the ticket,” Gachagua said.

Transparency pledge

Gachagua emphasised that DCP would distinguish itself from other parties by allowing members to choose their leaders democratically, arguing that credible nominations are key to building a strong political movement ahead of future elections.

He reiterated that the party leadership had agreed unanimously that nominations would be the final determinant of candidates, urging aspirants to focus on grassroots campaigns rather than lobbying for endorsements.

“I want to announce that there will be no direct nomination, no favouritism. It will be free and fair, and the election will end at the nominations. Haven’t we agreed that the election will end at the nominations?” he stated.