Gachagua’s DCP unveils candidate for Kabras West ward by-election
By Mabonga Makhanu, January 24, 2026The Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has unveiled Bramwel Khaemba as its preferred candidate for Kabras West Ward in the upcoming by-election slated for February 26, 2025.
This came on Friday, January 23, 2025, when the DCP’s Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malala, took to his social media platforms to announce and endorse the candidate as the party’s choice for the by-election.
This followed the presentation of the candidate to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, where he was cleared to contest for the Kabras West Ward seat.
Malala, together with area locals, came out in large numbers to witness their candidate return from the IEBC offices.
Kabras West Ward race
The Kabras West Ward seat was left vacant after the Member of County Assembly (MCA), David Ndakwa, vacated the seat to contest in the Malava parliamentary by-election, where he defeated Seth Panyako of the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) in the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has also unveiled its candidate, Elphas Shalakha, following party primaries that were supervised by David Ndakwa on January 10, 2025.
DAP-K, a sister party to DCP under the United Opposition umbrella, has also unveiled its candidate, Nivah Musa, to contest against the other candidates.
President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has already begun making inroads into the constituency, just as he did during the campaigns that saw David Ndakwa emerge victorious with a razor-thin margin. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, he accompanied the Principal Secretary for Higher Education, Beatrice Inyangala, to the ward to unveil the candidate.
2026 By-elections
Elsewhere, preparations for the February 26 by-elections are in top gear. In Muminji and Evuore wards, UDA has also fielded candidates who are set to face opposition contenders. Martha Karua’s party, PLP, has also fielded a candidate in Evuore — Joseph Njeru.
Cleophas Malala, after unveiling the DCP party candidate, exuded confidence in their choice, saying:
“Bramwel Khaemba has today been unveiled as the DCP party candidate for the Kabras West by-election after being cleared by the IEBC. His candidature signals a bold, people-driven campaign focused on leadership, accountability, and real change for Kabras West.” Malala
This also comes days after Gachagua’s DCP won the Kisii East by-elections a move that has since become Gachagua’s bragging right, with him declaring that DCP is now a national party.