The boardroom intrigues behind the withdrawal of Mr Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) from the Mbeere North by-election have come to light, revealing a bruising power struggle that nearly fractured the Mt Kenya political bloc.
The wrangles escalated to such an extent that the former Deputy President sanctioned a private opinion poll before arriving at the “no contest” verdict. His decision to step aside caught many supporters off guard, raising questions about how a man positioning himself as “king of the Mountain” could retreat from such a pivotal contest.
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing journalists at his home in Karen, Nairobi on July 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after President Ruto appointed MP Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet, prompting a by-election set for November 27, 2025. Many of Mr Gachagua’s loyalists expected DCP to field a candidate to test his influence. Instead, he announced the party would support ex-Attorney-General Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party (DP).
This came as a surprise since DCP had already endorsed Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui for the seat, with his campaign coordinated by Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo.
DP, on its part, had unveiled Muminji MCA and secular musician Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karis Mwana M-Embu. Mr Mbui had already launched his campaign, claiming to have spent more than Sh10 million, when Mr Gachagua suddenly ordered him to stand down—a directive the MCA rejected.
“I have been watching closely what is happening within DCP and I have concluded that it is a members’ club within the so-called United Opposition,” Mr Mbui posted on social media. “The club has been influenced to ensure DCP does not field a candidate in Mbeere North. I see this as a deliberate attempt to kill my ambition and that of the KivuiKivui fraternity.”
He declared he would vie as an independent, later pledging support to Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi.
Former CS Justin Muturi.
Photo credit: . Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Behind the scenes, negotiations between DCP and DP were, by Mr Muturi’s own admission, “intense and bruising.” Embu DCP coordinator Joshua Kanake had publicly warned Mr Gachagua against compromise, insisting the party was “not in the business of negotiating about fielding candidates.” DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala also ruled out concessions, declaring the party would contest every by-election without exception. Mr Muturi countered: “Some want to drag us back to the retrogressive one-party system we shed off 33 years ago. That is unacceptable. DP will contest Mbeere North and also field a presidential candidate in 2027.”
The stalemate was broken when Mr Gachagua introduced findings from a private opinion poll. “I was not aware of the poll or who conducted it. But Gachagua called us together and shared the results. He insisted science is a critical tactical tool in shaping political strategy,” Mr Muturi told Kameme TV on Monday.
According to him, the poll showed DP held a stronger chance in Mbeere North, with Karis emerging as the frontrunner. Mr Gachagua then suspended all DCP campaigns and summoned his aspirants to explain the evidence-based decision.
On September 10, 2025, he publicly announced DCP’s withdrawal. “I also express faith in Mr Muturi as a competent leader in Embu County and across the country, capable of mobilising for a win,” Mr Gachagua said.
Mr Muturi admitted the announcement brought relief within the opposition alliance, though tensions remain. Mr Mbui has since shifted to Chama Cha Kazi, while UDA has fielded Leonard Muthende. Other contenders include Jacob Ireri of Jubilee and Rev Isaak Muringi of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), linked to former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
Rev Muringi’s campaign has stirred controversy as his posters carry Mr Matiang’i’s image, despite Matiang’i’s known ties to Jubilee.
“We are still engaging and hope to unite under one candidate. But nevertheless, the majority will have their way and the minority their say. Consensus building is ongoing,” stated Mr Muturi.
