Rigathi Gachagua is expected back in Kenya next week to confront mounting challenges to his political influence, with his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) facing pressure in Mt Kenya, internal disciplinary disputes and disagreements over the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Gachagua, who left Kenya on August 26, concluded US diaspora engagements on October 9 and announced a further 15-day political meeting at his Texas ranch. He toured Spokane, Portland, Kansas, Dallas and Boston.
Uncertain when he would return, he said Kenyans were urging him to hurry back because “the opposition fire is dying”. He also faces an NCIC summons over alleged hate speech and internal DCP disputes over discipline, nominations and strategy.
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara alleges a five-pronged government plot to weaken DCP’s grip on Mt Kenya: promoting rival parties, using tokenism, countering its messaging through anti-drug and illicit alcohol campaigns, boosting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s presence in Mt Kenya West, and positioning Ndia MP George Kariuki as a political alternative. The claims were not independently established. The contest will test Mr Gachagua’s ability to maintain support in the region.
Mr Gachagua was summoned to appear before the NCIC on August 27 over remarks allegedly amounting to hate speech. Through Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates, he declined in a letter dated August 20, citing a pre-planned trip abroad from August 26 to October 20.
The commission cited remarks he made at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on February 23, in Luanda, Vihiga County, on June 12, and during a tour of Meru between July 25 and 28. The allegations concern three separate engagements in different counties.
Mr Gachagua had expressed defiance. It remains unclear whether he will appear or what action the commission might take if he does not.
The party has also faced disciplinary disputes while its leader has been abroad. Mr Gachagua’s absence has left allies defending the party’s direction as disciplinary decisions and public disagreements shape its profile.
Gichugu MP aspirant Njeri Mbogo was suspended for 180 days over claims linking her to an incident in which protesting voters were filmed brandishing women’s pants bearing the names of Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango and Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
Kirinyaga Women Rep Jane Njeri Maina.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
Ms Maina said a gubernatorial aspirant had mischievously procured the items to tarnish a rival. DCP chairman of eminent persons Maina Kamanda alleged government moles had infiltrated the party, warning they would not receive nomination tickets even if they won.
Mr Kamanda defended Mr Murango, saying the senator had endured impeachment and persecution and helped build DCP. “There is no way we can betray such passion,” he said.
In Kiambu, youth leader Isaac Mungai was expelled after a dispute with Senator Karungo Thang’wa and appearing to support Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. Mr Mungai said he had accepted the decision, but challenged Mr Gachagua’s claim to command eight million votes, saying the party leader could count only his vote and those of his wife and two children.
DCP has also warned Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja against running parallel grassroots programmes and bypassing established branch structures. Ms Keroche defected from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance on October 9, 2026, and intends to vie for Nakuru governor. The secretariat issued her a warning letter.
Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja during a past media briefing.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The internal disputes extend to nominations. Some aspirants have questioned the fairness of the process, saying they are being asked to prepare for competitive primaries and pay nomination fees while Mr Gachagua and Mr Kamanda appear to endorse preferred candidates.
Mr Gachagua faces pressure to halt premature endorsements and publish neutral candidate-selection rules. DCP’s finance committee says it needs about Sh5 billion for nominations, sharpening the need for decisions on fees and rules.
Mr Gachagua must also determine how DCP will work with other opposition parties before the 2027 election. He has said the party is not ready for a formal coalition, arguing it should first build its structures, expand its presence across counties, identify influential principals and complete grassroots recruitment.
Mr Kamanda has named Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa as United Opposition principals. He has dismissed other partners as lacking substantial grassroots support. A further disagreement concerns when the opposition should name its joint presidential candidate. Mr Gachagua has argued that the decision should wait until May 2027, saying an earlier announcement would give President Ruto time to target and destabilise the nominee.
Mr Musyoka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala and former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi have called for an immediate announcement. They argue that the delay is weakening grassroots mobilisation and leaving supporters without a clear figure to rally behind.
DCP Secretary-Designate John Methu played down the challenges, saying they were normal for a leader operating in a competitive democracy. He cited Mr Gachagua’s political comeback after impeachment as evidence of his resilience.
Nyandarua County Senator John Methu.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“Don’t be unduly worried about those challenges,” Mr Methu said, describing the issues as “chickenfeed”. He said Mr Gachagua would return recharged and ready to advance what he called the liberation cause, and to address developments that had unfolded during his absence.
“He is a presidential candidate who is selfless and ready to make sacrifices,” Mr Methu said. “He will be in the country soon, and all these concerns will be straightened.”
