Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially broken ranks with President William Ruto. On Wednesday, at his Karen home, Gachagua unveiled his new political party—Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—a move that has sent shockwaves through Mt Kenya and beyond.
The announcement marks a sharp turn in the country’s political direction and places Gachagua squarely in the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We’re done waiting,” said Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a close Gachagua ally. “They’ve tried to pull our people back, but from today, it’s full throttle.”
A New Party, A New War
The DCP’s slogan is Kazi na Haki—work and justice. Its logo, a hand touching an ear, speaks to a populist promise: listening to the people. Party colours are green, brown and black, and its headquarters is based at Nairobi’s Riara Centre.
Registered on 3rd February this year, the party’s leadership includes Mably Owino, Laura Njeri, and Jeremiah Mong’eri, among others.
While Gachagua’s launch was low-key, the fireworks are expected at the official unveiling on 5th June. That event, sources say, will bring together several seasoned opposition figures—former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, ex-CS Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former UN official Mukhisa Kituyi, and veteran politician Martha Karua.
Political analyst Barrack Muluka sees it as a decisive moment. “It’s now or never. If Gachagua wants to fill the vacuum left by Raila Odinga, he must act fast—and act big.”
Fallout With Ruto
The former Deputy President has kept a low profile since his impeachment earlier this year. Retreating to his rural home in Mathira, Nyeri, Gachagua has spent the past months quietly rallying allies, meeting with former Cabinet secretaries and opposition veterans.
His message is blunt: Ruto has lost touch.
“Why are 50 million taxpaying citizens being ignored?” Gachagua asked at the launch. “Why is our government deaf to the economic suffering of its own people?”
Gachagua accuses Ruto of ruling with arrogance, ignoring public grievances, and sidelining leaders who refuse to fall in line. His criticisms have found support in pockets of the country disillusioned by the state of the economy and rising cost of living.
Opposition Rethink
Gachagua’s move has opened the door to a potential grand alliance of opposition parties. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa was clear: “This is the beginning of the real beginning. In 2027, we go head-to-head with Ruto.”
Wamalwa said regional heavyweights would consolidate their bases before agreeing on a single opposition candidate.
“Gachagua and Karua will rally Mt Kenya, Natembeya and I will handle Western, and Kalonzo will take Eastern,” he explained.
But it won’t be easy. Gachagua has already lost some key allies, including Ngunjiri Wambugu, once considered his right-hand man. Meanwhile, President Ruto has been quietly working to lure back defectors and shore up his support in Central Kenya.
The Battle Ahead
Constitutional lawyer Newton Mathange believes Gachagua’s emergence as a national opposition figure was inevitable. “He’s now the face of opposition. The party launch formalises what people already saw coming.”
Still, he cautions that slogans and symbolism aren’t enough.
“To challenge a sitting president, you need a vision, a message—and numbers,” he said. “You must build momentum beyond your backyard.”
Muluka echoed that concern. “What remains to be seen is whether this new outfit can rally the kind of cross-country coalition needed to truly threaten Ruto.”
What’s clear is that the stage is set. Kenya’s political terrain has shifted, and Gachagua is no longer playing second fiddle.
Whether his gamble pays off will depend not just on who he brings to the table—but on how deeply he can connect with an electorate hungry for change.
