Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has received a political boost after 10 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from Kirinyaga County announced that they had defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The ward representatives met Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence on Thursday, March 12, where they formally declared their support for the new political party.
Leaders Cite Pressure From Voters
According to Gachagua, the MCAs said their decision was influenced by voters in their wards, who allegedly directed them to join the new party and defend the interests of the community.
“This morning, I received a delegation of 10 members of the County Assembly of Kirinyaga who visited me at my Wamunyoro residence.
They conveyed that they have been instructed by their voters to join the DCP party and stand as defenders of the community,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president described the defections as a sign that political dynamics in the Mount Kenya region are shifting as the country begins preparing for the next General Election.
MCAs Who Joined DCP
The leaders who joined the party include Jeremiah Makimi (Kariti), Isaiah Mbogo (Kabare), Jinaro Jemumo (Mutithi), Timothy Kariuki-Sedi (Njukini), Thomas Mwangi (Mukure), Fredrick Maina Karimi (Inoi), Geoffrey Murimi (Kiine), Peter Njiru-Weche (Wamumu), Peter Karinga (Tebere) and James Wambu (Kangai).
Gachagua urged the leaders to remain firm despite any political pressure that may arise following their decision to defect.
Political Activity in Kirinyaga
The announcement comes as Gachagua prepares for a three-day political tour of Kirinyaga County, a region considered crucial in the broader Mount Kenya political landscape.
The development also follows recent claims by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, who alleged that Cleophas Malala had been holding meetings with MCAs allied to Governor Anne Waiguru in what she described as attempts to weaken Gachagua’s political influence in the county.
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Politics