Kenya’s political realignments intensified on Wednesday after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua challenged seven elected leaders who recently left his party for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to resign and seek fresh mandates from voters.
Speaking at a political gathering, Gachagua argued that leaders who switch parties after winning office should return to the electorate before continuing to serve under a different political banner. He maintained that voters had elected them on a particular platform and deserved the opportunity to decide whether they still commanded public support.
“If they have confidence that the people are behind them, they should go back to the voters,” Gachagua said.
His remarks come as political parties continue to reposition ahead of the next general election, with defections becoming increasingly common across Kenya’s political landscape.
The leaders who joined UDA have defended their decision, saying they are acting in the interests of their constituents and have the constitutional right to associate with a political party of their choice. Supporters of the ruling party have dismissed calls for by-elections, arguing that party affiliation is governed by the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
The debate has once again placed attention on Kenya’s anti-defection provisions and the circumstances under which an elected leader may lose a parliamentary or county assembly seat after changing political allegiance. Legal experts have previously noted that such cases depend on constitutional provisions, the Political Parties Act and determinations by the relevant institutions, including Parliament, county assemblies and the courts.
As political alliances continue to shift, the dispute reflects the growing contest for influence within Kenya’s opposition and the wider struggle to shape the country’s political landscape ahead of future elections.
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