Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stepped up efforts to consolidate his grip on the Mt Kenya region, using his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) to woo politicians from allied opposition parties as he seeks to build a united front against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Fresh from his party's emphatic victory in the Ol Kalou by-election, Mr Gachagua began a three-day political tour of Meru County on Sunday, declaring that he would aggressively defend the region from pro-government politicians and ensure the Mt Kenya vote remains united.
The tour follows a stop in Embu on Saturday and comes amid growing competition for influence in the region, where Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has been leading a campaign aimed at bolstering Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's political base.
Mr Gachagua said the DCP victory in Ol Kalou was a clear indication of the region's political direction and predicted an even stronger performance in the 2027 elections.
“I am sure Meru will give President William Ruto the shock of his life in 2027. The Ol Kalou by-election will look like child's play. President Ruto will not get votes in this region,” he said.
Speaking during a Mass at St Theresa's Riiji Catholic Church, Mr Gachagua declared DCP the dominant political vehicle in the Mt Kenya region and urged politicians from other opposition parties to join it.
Several leaders from the Democratic Party (DP), Party of National Unity (PNU), Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) and Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) attended the tour, with some expressing support for DCP.
“PNU fielded a candidate against us in Ol Kalou. They had 144 agents but managed only 58 votes. That means even their own agents did not vote for them. Make the decision to leave PNU and join DCP, where the people are,” he said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses his supporters during in Luanda, Vihiga County on June 12, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Mr Gachagua said his strategy for defeating President Ruto in Mt Kenya would involve matching every presidential visit with an immediate political response, backed by intensive grassroots mobilisation and vote protection.
“One of the reasons President Ruto succeeded in 2022 was because he held many meetings in Mt Kenya. This time, I will counter every move he makes. If he visits the region today, I will be there tomorrow to undo his work. I will not allow him to cheat us again,” he said.
He added that DCP Secretary-General John Methu would spearhead efforts to counter Deputy President Kindiki's political activities across the region.
“On election day in 2027, we will mobilise heavily, including transporting voters who cannot reach polling stations on their own. We will wake up early to vote President Ruto out. It will be an exciting election because it will be about sending the incumbent home,” he said.
Mr Gachagua also weighed in on reports that the British Army was scaling down its military training operations in Kenya, alleging that corruption within government had contributed to the development.
"Some Members of Parliament demanded bribes from the British Army to facilitate renewal of its licences. The Britons refused and decided to relocate to Tanzania," he claimed.
He warned that the departure of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) would have serious economic consequences for Nanyuki.
"Batuk has operated in Nanyuki for many years and contributes significantly through joint military training, counter-terrorism cooperation, employment and support for local businesses, including transport and hospitality," he said.
However, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi defended Parliament's decision to reject renewal of the Kenya-UK Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), saying the country had long received an unfair deal.
Speaking after a church service at St Andrew's ACK Church in Nanyuki on Sunday, Mr Muturi said the agreement heavily favoured the United Kingdom while offering Kenya minimal benefits.
Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi.
Photo credit: Joseph Kanyi | Nation Media Group
“Unlike countries such as Canada, Germany and Cyprus, where British soldiers also train, Kenya's agreement is heavily skewed in favour of the foreign troops. I commend the 13th Parliament for insisting on a review of the contentious clauses,” said the former Speaker of the National Assembly.
Mr Muturi noted that British soldiers accused of crimes in countries such as Canada have been prosecuted locally, questioning why similar accountability has not been applied in Kenya.
Among the contentious issues, he said, is the immunity granted to visiting British troops, which has complicated efforts to prosecute soldiers accused of crimes, including the 2012 murder of Agnes Wanjiru.
The former Attorney-General argued that communities hosting Batuk training grounds continue to bear the environmental and social costs while receiving limited economic benefits.
“The agreement should not be renewed unless Kenya is granted greater powers to investigate and prosecute foreign soldiers accused of criminal offences. Host communities must also receive meaningful development benefits and adequate compensation for environmental damage,” he said.
