DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses the media at the party’s offices in Nairobi on August 11, 2026.

📋 Breaking It Down

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is facing an early test of its promise to let voters decide its candidates, with some aspirants accusing party leader Rigathi Gachagua and senior officials of favouring loyalists ahead of the 2027 elections.

The dispute threatens to undermine the party’s efforts to position itself as the political vehicle for the Mt Kenya region, with disgruntled aspirants questioning whether the open nominations model showcased in the Ol Kalou by-election will apply across the party.

The tensions are emerging even as Mr Gachagua puts coalition talks on the back burner, insisting that the opposition must first strengthen its political bases before settling on a joint presidential candidate.

📌 What You Need to Know

Speaking to supporters in Dracut, Massachusetts, in the US, Mr Gachagua urged them to be patient, saying the opposition was not behind schedule in its preparations for the 2027 elections.

“We are not late. We are within time. Coalitions can only happen after all impactful principals have strengthened themselves and mobilised their loyal bedrocks,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the opposition was divided or struggling to agree on a joint candidate, promising that DCP would make the necessary sacrifices to unite behind one flag bearer.

“I can assure you that the candidate we will come up with will make you happy. Kenyans want the election won in round one. Coalition will be important but not at this time for DCP. DCP and I will make all necessary sacrifices to ensure we have a joint candidate,” he said.

But while Mr Gachagua assured supporters that the opposition would eventually settle on a joint presidential candidate, disquiet was building within his own party over how it intends to select candidates for elective positions.

Some aspirants accuse Mr Gachagua and the party’s chairman of eminent persons, Mr Maina Kamanda, of undermining the very principles of internal democracy that DCP invoked to celebrate its Ol Kalou nomination exercise.

📰 Source: Nation Africa