DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua speaks during a press conference on September 10, 2025. /SCREENGRABThe Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has withdrawn from the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election and endorsed the Democratic Party (DP) candidate in the November 27 polls.
In a statement issued at the party headquarters on Wednesday, party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the decision was informed by the need to build cordial relations with like-minded partners within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” Gachagua said.
He added: “This decision has also been informed by the recognition that the Hon Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, is a great leader from that region with enhanced capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party into winning the seat.”
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, the incumbent MP, was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto to head the Public Service and Human Capital Development docket on March 26, 2025.
DCP’s withdrawal comes just days after its candidate, Duncan Mbui, ditched the party and declared he would run as an independent.
In a social media post on Saturday, September 6, Mbui accused DCP of being a “members’ club.”
“I have been watching with a keen eye the goings-on at the DCP party and have come to the conclusion that it is a members’ club within the so-called United Opposition,” he wrote.
“The club has been influenced to decide that DCP should not field a candidate in Mbeere North, a decision I view as a deliberate attempt to kill my ambition and that of the KivuiKivui fraternity (his campaign slogan meaning a mallet).”
He concluded: “Arising from this, we have decided to go independent... We have always been independent and shall win as independent.”
Meanwhile, Gachagua announced that DCP will also support the Wiper Party candidate for the Muguuni ward in Machakos and the DAP-K candidate in Kapchai/Chwele ward in Bungoma.
He, however, said the consensus to support DP, Wiper, and DP candidates only applies to by-elections.
In 2027, he said DCP will field candidates across all elective seats starting from president, governors and senators in all 47 counties, MPs in 290 constituencies, and MCAs in all 1450 wards.
“For all other elective positions, DCP shall field and mobilise fully to campaign, popularise and seek votes under our party ticket,” Gachagua said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled 16 ward by-elections, along with parliamentary by-elections in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies, as well as a senatorial by-election in Baringo County, all set for November 27.
