Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi GachaguaDemocracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has said he has no intention of contesting in court the outcomes of recent by-elections where his party did not win.
In an interview on KTN Wednesday night, Gachagua maintained that DCP performed well in key electoral zones.
"I will not be going to court where I had candidates running under DCP," he said.
"Despite the challenges, we performed well as a party. Even in Narok Town, DCP still secured a win."
Gachagua added that the Democratic Party (DP) leader, Justin Muturi, has indicated plans to challenge the results of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in court.
He clarified that DCP’s decision not to pursue legal action was specific to his party and not a collective resolution of the United Opposition.
"Every party is distinct, but we are united in purpose in ensuring a single presidential candidate emerges to contest William Ruto in 2027. The DP party leader has informed me they intend to go to court, and it is important that they do so," he stated.
The November 27 by-elections were seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections, with DCP seeking to gauge its strength just seven months after its formation.
Despite a strong campaign, DCP lost the parliamentary seats to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
UDA won Mbeere North in Embu County, Malava in Kakamega County, and Banissa in Mandera County.
ODM, another partner in the broad-based coalition, retained its strongholds, winning Magarini Constituency (Kilifi County), Ugunja Constituency (Siaya County), and Kasipul Constituency (Homa Bay County).
DCP won a small number of ward-level seats.
Gachagua said he considered the results a positive outcome for a young party.
"DCP is a party formed only seven months ago. We secured victory in Khwisero, which is over 600 km from our home region," he said, highlighting what he described as the party’s national appeal.
When asked why, he cited irregularities mainly in areas where DCP lost. Gachagua responded: "I am not suggesting the by-elections were conducted perfectly, even in areas where we won. In Narok, it was the resilience of the people that ensured the election took place."
Gachagua expressed confidence that the challenges observed during the by-elections would not recur in the 2027 general elections.
"Kenyans will not accept suppression in 2027. What I witnessed in Narok demonstrates the civic courage we hope to see across the country," he said.
"While it may be possible to intimidate voters during a by-election, the scale of a general election will make such tactics ineffective."
