After being in the United States of America since July 9, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua returns on Thursday.
His deputy, Cleophas Malala, on Monday said preparations to receive Mr Gachagua were almost complete. His supporters are planning to receive him at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and hold procession through the capital culminating in a rally at Kamukunji Grounds.
His arrival is expected to stir the political waters, with pundits pointing to 10 possible challenges.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua poses for a photograph after unveiling his new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), at the party headquarters in the Lavington, Nairobi, on May 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Thomas Mukoya | Reuters
Government allies have called on the security agencies to arrest Mr Gachagua once he arrives. Led by President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, they have claimed that Mr Gachagua is the face of anarchy, tribalism and diplomatic bile. They have specifically cited his public speeches while in the US, where he accused the President of dalliances with warlords in Sudan, global security miscreants as well as shady deals.
2. Anti-Gachagua brigade in Mt Kenya
Mr Gachagua will walk into increased counter-attack groupings that President Ruto loyalists have established to whittle down his influence in the Mt Kenya region. Besides the group that is led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, which has been going around the region splashing cash and other goodies, and promising rapid development, President Ruto has also been meeting delegations from the region in an attempt to fend off the Gachagua onslaught.
3. Crackdown on his public meetings
Security agents have been scuttling opposition meetings using force. On July 27, Mr Gachagua’s allies were shot at with live bullets in Murang’a County. They had earlier suffered a similar fate in Nakuru and Kiambu counties.
However, the police have not arrested anyone in the more than 10 violent attacks against Mr Gachagua’s meetings. Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has warned that the government’s violent suppression of dissent risks escalating into an international crisis.
4. DCP vs DP political warfront in Mbeere North
In the looming by-election, the Democratic Party, led by former Attorney-General Justin Muturi, has proposed Muminji ward rep Newton Karish as its candidate. However, Mr Gachagua— in trying to assert his authority in the region and give his party a footing—has proposed Evurore ward rep Duncan Mbui.
The former Deputy President will have to deal with this sibling rivalry, which can make or break his influence. A litany of other political parties, among them Jubilee and The Service Party, will also be in the contest, trying to stamp their presence in the region.
A new political formation calling itself Kenya Moja has since taken Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba from under his wing. She has said that her move is aimed at “avoiding working with a tribal outfit that threatens isolation of Mt. Kenya”. New Gema chairman Isaac Mungai says Mr Gachagua will encounter many more programmes aimed at dividing Mt Kenya for easy political capture.
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua (center) addressing journalists at his home in Karen, Nairobi, on July 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
6. Uhuru–Ruto rapprochement
Mr Gachagua comes to find that President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta met for the second time in seven months. After the two met in December in Ichaweri, they again met last month at State House Nairobi. President Ruto’s communication teams posted the photos of the two meetings in a manner meant to found a narrative of a political rapprochement.
The former DP will find a raging rivalry between Mr Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya that could undermine opposition unity. The two leaders are seen as crucial to swaying the Western region to the opposition, and so their fight spells danger.
Mr Wamalwa and Mr Natembeya have downplayed the impact of their power struggle. Mr Wamalwa said: “We have formed mechanisms to resolve the present, emerging and foresighted challenges and soon we shall be at peace.”
Since his departure, opposition activities have slowed down. Mr Gachagua faces the task of reviving momentum and holding the fragile coalition together. Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni says that “ ... Mr Gachagua appears to be the only man with the guts and ability to verbally battle Dr Ruto”.
9. Money and foodstuffs enticement
With the cost of living biting, Ruto allies have been distributing food, cash and branded goods in Mt Kenya. Elders have decried the practice as exploiting poverty for political gain.
10. Churches, musicians and comedians split
Mt Kenya Indigenous Faiths Union Chairman Bishop Edward Nyutu said “some of our churches have received warnings from administrators and government-allied politicians against hosting opposition members.” He added that some of his churches have received “proposals to be bankrolled so as to turn down opposition politics”.
