Gachagua: DCP influence in the rift growing despite Emurua loss

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at a past Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) event/HANDOUT

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has expressed confidence in the party's performance in the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, despite its loss, saying it signals its growing influence in the Rift Valley region.

The Rift has traditionally been viewed as a stronghold of UDA.

Gachagua congratulated DCP candidate Vincent Rotich for what he described as a strong performance despite losing the seat to UDA’s David Keter.

According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Keter garnered 18,266 votes against Rotich’s 10,760 votes in the May 14 by-election.

“Congratulations to the DCP candidate in the Emurua Dikkir by-election Hon. Vincent Rotich for the splendid performance that has shaken South Rift politics,” Gachagua said.

“A score of 10,760 votes is no mean feat.”

The former Deputy President said the results demonstrated that DCP was steadily establishing itself as a major political force beyond its perceived traditional support bases.

“I am so excited that you and your team worked tirelessly and made DCP Party a key player in the Rift Valley politics,” he said.

Gachagua also thanked campaign teams and supporters who participated in the by-election, particularly women whom he credited for mobilising support for the party during the campaigns.

“Congratulations to your team of campaigners and most notably the women who campaigned for you at night and odd hours,” he said.

The former deputy president described the outcome as evidence of shifting political dynamics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“The DCP Party has made a heroic entry in Kenyan politics and is undoubtedly the most credible alternative vehicle to all aspirants who cherish democracy,” he said.

He also praised Emurua Dikirr residents for what he termed as exercising their democratic rights independently during the vote.

“To the great people of Emurua Dikkir, you are the true heroes of our nation for showing independence of mind, rationality and exercising your democratic right,” Gachagua said.

The remarks also comes a day after TIFA Research released a survey showing rising support for DCP nationally.

According to the poll released on Thursday, support for DCP rose from six per cent in November 2025 to 16 per cent in May 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing political parties in the country.

The survey further showed declining support for both ODM and UDA compared to their August 2022 levels.

UDA support dropped from 38 per cent in August 2022 to 17 per cent in May 2026, while ODM support fell from 32 per cent to 18 per cent over the same period.

TIFA said the findings pointed to changing political loyalties, voter fatigue and growing uncertainty ahead of the next election cycle.

“The findings suggest a significant decline in support for both ODM and UDA compared to their August 2022 levels, highlighting possible voter fatigue, shifting political loyalties, and growing uncertainty within the political landscape,” the pollster said.

The Emurua Dikirr by-election was conducted following the death of former MP Johanna Ng'eno in a helicopter crash.

Gachagua said he would visit the constituency after returning from an overseas trip to the United Kingdom to thank supporters and campaigners who backed the DCP candidate.