Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, accompanied by a delegation of top party officials and members, has travelled to Mombasa for a key party retreat commencing on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

According to a statement from the former deputy president, the three-day retreat will focus on reviewing the party’s activities and adopting strategies in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Party calendar

The event will also familiarise party members with the election calendar and major upcoming milestones in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.

Among the attendees at the retreat were Senators John Methu (Nyandarua), Ole Seki (Kajiado), John Kinyua, Kamau Murango (Nyandarua), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu), and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a).

In attendance

Others present included MPs Kamau Munyoro, Gakuya James (Embakasi North), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Amos Mwago, Mwangi Wandeto, Jayne Kihara, Onesmus Ngogoyo, John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), Kamande Mwafrika (Roysambu), and Wakili Muriu; Woman Representative Gacheri Maina; Nyeri County Assembly Speaker Gichuhi Mwangi; and MCA David Mathenge.

The retreat comes at a critical time for the party, as defections, internal wrangles, and loyalty issues threaten its unity.

Defection

December proved particularly stormy for the nine-month-old political outfit, with Juja MP George Koimburi’s defection dealing a major blow. The MP announced his move to President William Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Meanwhile, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga—a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—has recently declared his allegiance to the government and President Ruto.

In a statement issued on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Kahiga promised to rally behind Ruto’s re-election bid if the president completes ongoing development projects in the region.

Kahiga’s remarks came shortly after a section of DCP grassroots officials from Nakuru threatened to defect, citing frustrations with Gachagua.

The complaints emerged soon after Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge accused the DCP leader of using heavy-handed tactics and intimidation to dominate the united opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.