Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi, on April 11, 2025.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to unveil his new political vehicle—which he hopes to use to rally the populous Mt Kenya behind him in the 2027 General Election—today.
The unveiling of the party is a strategic step in Mr Gachagua’s poll plan as talks progress with other politicians in the opposition to field a joint flagbearer in their quest to make William Ruto a one-term president.
By the time of going to press last evening, it was still not clear which party Mr Gachagua will unveil, but sources told the Nation that Mr Gachagua had his eyes on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), symbolised by a hand touching the ear (to represent Mr Gachagua’s “listening to the ground” mantra). The party’s slogan is Skiza Wakenya (Listen to Kenyans).
While keeping details under wraps, Mr Gachagua has hinted that his new party will embody the ideals of former President Mwai Kibaki.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (centre) with other political leaders when he hosted them at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on May 4, 2025.
On Wednesday, Mr Gachagua asked supporters and the media to wait until the unveiling today. In an exclusive interview with the Nation, he said: “What we are doing tomorrow (today) is the unveiling of the party. The launch of the party will happen later,” Mr Gachagua said.
“The party will align with Mt Kenya people and their aspirations. Its cardinal rule will be to listen to the ground,” he recently said.
Mr Gachagua has previously vowed to politically eliminate Mt Kenya leaders who supported his impeachment last October. To achieve this, he plans to consolidate the region’s vote under his command and rally it against President Ruto—who received 87 per cent of Mt Kenya’s votes in 2022.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu dismissed speculations on the name of the party, its colours and ideology, urging all to “hold your horses.”
“Maybe you’re right, maybe not. But the only person with the authority to disclose that is Mr Gachagua himself,” Mr Methu said. “The fear in Ruto’s camp over Gachagua’s moves is so palpable that (head of presidential special projects Dennis) Itumbi is prematurely launching our party on our behalf.”
Former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru.
Former Laikipia Woman Rep Cate Waruguru also dismissed the speculations.
“What’s the agitation for? It’s only a few hours to the big reveal. The party will be announced by its leader and registered accordingly—not by Itumbi,” she said.
Mr Gachagua has said his party, will be inclusive.
“I have appointed a secretary-general, deputy party leader, and several top officials from outside Mt Kenya. Those calling me a tribalist will be shocked,” he told Gusii radio stations on Tuesday.
From left: Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), Jubilee Party's Torome Saitoti, Mr Mithika Linturi, People's Liberation Party boss Martha Karua, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Mr Justin Muturi, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Dr Fred Matiang'i during a meeting in Nairobi on April 29, 2025.
However, early signs of division are already visible. A number of his former allies have defected or grown distant.
Maragua MP Mary wa Maua, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and former MP Ngunjiri Wambugu have publicly distanced themselves from his new outfit. Those showing lukewarm support include Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba, Kandara MP Chege Njuguna, Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi and Embu Woman Rep Njoki Njeru. Mr Wambugu has been especially vocal, accusing Gachagua of borrowing from Raila Odinga’s “defeatist” one-man party model.
Political analysts expect Mr Gachagua’s move to spark fierce competition for the Mt Kenya’s political soul.
“We anticipate high-stakes contests and shifting alliances,” said Democratic Congress youth leader Gladys Njoroge.
