Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to rally seven million votes from Mt Kenya in the 2027 General Election. He warned that only aspirants willing to meet strict conditions will secure the bloc’s support.
Mr Gachagua, the former deputy president, said the target is achievable given the region’s 5.5 million votes cast in 2022, with many residents abstaining and more voters expected in the next register.
“Our optimal target is about eight million votes, with a turnout of at least seven million. This includes the Agikuyu, Aembu and Ameru communities wherever they are in the world. We intend to register a turnout never witnessed before because the threat facing us as a community and as a country is greater than any other in history,” he said.
Mr Gachagua listed a raft of demands for those eyeing the Mt Kenya bloc. They include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kajiado Senator Kenar Seki, Democratic Party boss Justin Muturi, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua(Centre) addresses journalists flanked by (from left) Dr Fred Matiangi, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders at SKM Command Center in Nairobi on July 8, 2025.
He also left the door open for ODM leader Raila Odinga, saying: “Should he meet his Damascus moment and join the struggle to punish governance betrayal, we are ready to listen.”
According to Mr Gachagua, aspirants must demonstrate genuine numbers, work through structured engagement with the DCP and allied parties, and commit to written agreements deposited with Mt Kenya stakeholders. “All engagements must be about assembling winning numbers. Aspirants must also subject themselves to public participation drives with our supporters present as witnesses,” he said.
Other conditions include declaring the Kenya Kwanza administration a common enemy, signing affidavits to reverse unilateral tax policies, overhauling education and health funding, and guaranteeing justice for victims of past state excesses. He warned that if no aspirant convinces him to channel the vote elsewhere, he will seek the presidency himself.
Mr Gachagua accused President William Ruto of betrayal, recalling how he resisted alleged excesses in government despite threats of impeachment.
“As a community leader who refused to bow to excesses in Ruto’s government, I boldly took him to task while others cowered, yet they now want to claim the prize,” he said during an appearance on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi show on September 21.
He warned Mt Kenya against repeating what he called the “naïve” approach of 2022. “If we fail to recognise our value in political discourse and approach 2027 haphazardly, we will face the music for another five years,” he said.
The DCP leader admitted he feels “guilty and indebted” for his role in installing President Ruto, promising to spearhead what he described as political redress. He further claimed the President’s camp was plotting to fragment the region’s influence.
He cited alleged plans to sponsor splinter parties across Mt Kenya counties, promote alternative presidential aspirants, and deploy state machinery to frustrate unity.
“Besides the sponsored wheelbarrows, there are plans to unleash more state violence against programmes aimed at fostering Mt Kenya political cohesion, especially to induce Gen Z voter apathy,” Mr Gachagua stated.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (left) former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto.
He also accused the government of working to unite other regions against Mt Kenya in a bid to isolate it.
Despite his criticism, Mr Gachagua expressed optimism that Mt Kenya voters had “learnt their lesson the hard way” and would rally behind a structured agenda.
“I am sure that we in Mt Kenya have no choice but to collectively liberate ourselves as we join hands with others to rescue the country for the collective good,” he said.
He positioned his push within what he described as a broader “liberation wave” sweeping the country, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration. “Every corner of this country is crying about this government. Every sphere of life has a bone to pick with President Ruto. Even America is probing this government for suspected international security breaches. We only need to get it right,” he said.
Mr Gachagua added that his conditions applied to all declared presidential aspirants, except President Ruto. “It is only Ruto who is not open to transact political business with us. We are through with him. 2027 looks agonisingly far, but we have no choice but to wait patiently for the democratic cause to take its course,” he said. He insisted that opposition leaders were “selfless” and committed to collective unity, urging them to embrace structured negotiations with Mt Kenya.
