Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha defects to DCP

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has defected to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), becoming the latest political leader to join the outfit associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua announced the governor's defection on Wednesday after receiving him and members of the Nyandarua County Assembly into the party.

He said the governor and the MCAs had committed to defending their seats on DCP tickets in the 2027 General Election and would participate in the party's nominations next year.

"I am delighted to receive Governor Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua county and the entire County Assembly into the DCP Party. They have assured me that they will defend their seats on DCP Party tickets, and they shall form part of the aspirants in the party primaries next year. I have assured them that the party primaries will be free and fair," he said.

According to Gachagua, the Nyandarua delegation also conveyed a message of support from residents of the county.

"The people of Nyandarua county, led by their governor, have brought a message of goodwill from the people of Nyandarua county; they are answering the call for the liberation of Kenya. To them, the future is green. On the liberation of our nation, we are on the same wavelength. With certainty, we shall achieve the best future for our nation."

Gachagua described the move as part of a growing exodus from other political parties.

Badilisha becomes one of the latest elected leaders to align himself with DCP as the party continues its recruitment drive ahead of the 2027 general election.

Gachagua argued that the outcome of the recent Ol Kalou by-election had demonstrated the region's political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.

‎According to Gachagua, leaders in the region have agreed to remain united to prevent any attempts to split the Mt Kenya vote.

We have decided Mt Kenya is one because if we separate, Ruto will win," he said.

‎The former DP claimed that in the 11 counties he considers part of the Mt Kenya region, leaders who align themselves with President Ruto risk overwhelming defeat at the ballot.

‎"In 2027, here in our 11 counties in the mountain, the contest is already defined. If you are with Ruto, you are against the community and you will go nowhere," he said.

‎Gachagua claimed that elected leaders who support the President would struggle to win re-election.

‎"Anybody, whether an MCA, MP, senator, woman representative or governor, if you are on Ruto's side you will get up to 10 per cent of the votes only in this region," he said.

‎The meeting came a few weeks after Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata formally declared that he would defend his seat on the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.

‎Welcoming Kang'ata to the party, Gachagua said DCP was rapidly expanding its national footprint and was positioning itself to field candidates across the country in the 2027 elections.