Meru: DCP members threaten to block Gachagua over leadership changes
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 6, 2025A section of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) members in Meru County has openly opposed recent leadership changes in the local branch, sparking tensions with the party’s top officials.
The members, mainly young aspirants, have warned party leader Rigathi Gachagua that they will block him from setting foot in Meru if their concerns are not addressed.
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, angry supporters stormed the DCP offices in Meru town to protest what they described as irregular and secretive changes to the county leadership.
They claimed that the party headquarters replaced their county chairman without notice, leaving them feeling sidelined in a party they helped build.
Benjamin Kimathi, a ward aspirant, said the manner in which the leadership was altered showed lack of transparency. He argued that if officials could be changed overnight, members might also lose their party tickets during nominations.
“So mimi nimeona hii chama haiko transparent na hii chama imeanzia ukora mapema. Na kama inachange chairman usiku, ata ticket watatunyima.” he asked.
Another aspirant, Jimly Muriithi, accused the party of betraying its grassroots supporters. He reminded Gachagua that the Meru branch had played a big role in building the party’s presence in the region.
“Sisi ndo wenye chama. Sisi ndo tulitoka ground tukapigwa teargas. Itakuwaje tena tunakuja hapa mtu mwenye tunaamini ndio tunaezaekeza naye tunapata ashatolewa. Ambia Gachagua hivi babangu. Sisi ni watu wa Nkubu, sisi ndo tulipiga goons uingie Meru. Ikitutoka tunaeka barrier hauingii meru county,” he warned.
DCP faces growing wrangles
The protests put pressure on Secretary General Hezron Obaga, who admitted the leadership issue had not been handled properly. He promised that in two weeks the party would unveil a proper list of county officials after consultations. Obaga added that DCP remained committed to strengthening grassroots structures.
Embattled Meru chairman Timothy Kithinji also backed calls for more inclusive leadership. Aspirants at the meeting demanded that the secretary-general position be given to a younger leader who could connect with the youth.
The wrangles come at a time when the party is trying to expand its national influence. In July, the Party unveiled candidates for by-elections in Banisa and Malaba constituencies, signalling DCP’s ambitions beyond its strongholds.
However, the leadership crisis in Meru exposes growing friction within the party. With no by-elections due in the county, members say they now have time to push for internal reforms before the next polls. Whether Gachagua addresses their grievances may determine DCP’s strength in Meru ahead of 2027.