The stage is set for a fierce political battle between President William Ruto and his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua as the latter unveils his political party today after months of speculation. 

This move has sent shockwaves through Mt Kenya’s political landscape, signalling a dramatic shift in power dynamics within the once-unified Kenya Kwanza government. 

Ruto has been working aggressively to win back some of Gachagua’s political allies, attempting to maintain his grip on the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 General Election.  

Since announcing plans to launch his political party, Gachagua has seen an exodus of former allies, most recently his right-hand man, Ngunjiri Wambugu. 

Today, Gachagua is scheduled to unveil his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) at his residence in Karen, Nairobi, with close allies in attendance.  

Sources from his camp revealed the party will be officially launched on June 5 at a ceremony expected to draw opposition heavyweights, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper party leader), former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former UNCTAD Secretary General Mukhisa Kituyi and People’s Liberation Party-Kenya leader Martha Karua. 

The Gachagua party’s official colours are green, brown and black, with a logo featuring a hand touching an ear, representing the political phrase “listening to the ground”. Gachagua has adopted ‘Kazi na Haki’ (work and justice) as the party slogan. 

According to the Registrar of Political Parties, DCP was registered on February 3, 2025, with a tractor plough as its symbol and headquarters at Nairobi’s Riara Centre.  

Its leaders include Mably Owino, Hussein Athman, Laura Njeri, Abdifatah Abdullahi, Joy Gatugi, Brenda Banjira, Jeremiah Mong’eri, Joel Sang, John Maranga, Miriam Mariki, Thomas Ratemo, and Ado Yiembo. 

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, a close Gachagua ally, said they are prepared to challenge Ruto directly despite his attempts to infiltrate their camp.  

“They’ve been busy trying to lure some of our allies back, but we’re not bothered. From today, it’s full throttle,” Gakuya said. 

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa indicated that opposition leaders will nominate a single candidate against Ruto.  

“Today marks the beginning of the real beginning. It will be a battle royale against Ruto in 2027,” Wamalwa declared. 

According to Wamalwa, each opposition party leader must consolidate their respective regions before deciding on a joint candidate.

“Gachagua and Karua will focus on uniting Mt Kenya, while Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and I handle the Western region, and Kalonzo consolidates the Eastern region,” he explained. 

This announcement marks a decisive turning point in Gachagua’s relationship with his former ally.  

After his impeachment and removal from office, Gachagua retreated to his home in Wamunyoro, Mathira, where he has been coordinating his political activities. Both emerging and veteran politicians have visited him there, seeking guidance on his next political moves following his falling-out with President Ruto. 

Over the past two weeks, Gachagua has held high-level meetings with opposition leaders in Karen, including an April 29 gathering with Kalonzo, Karua, Wamalwa, former Cabinet secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi, former principal secretary Saitoti Torome, and former UNCTAD secretary general Mukhisa Kituyi.  

The meetings appeared to officially welcome Matiang’i into their coalition. 

Gachagua, who has vowed to make Ruto a one-term President, accused him for ignoring Kenyans’ needs and being dictatorial.  

“How can a promising nation like Kenya be frustrated through callousness and outdated imperialism? How can our leaders so deafly fail to listen to the economic pains crushing over 50 million taxpaying citizens while poor service delivery becomes the norm?” he posed. 

Political commentator Barrack Muluka emphasised that Gachagua and other opposition leaders must create a united alliance to emerge strong in the forthcoming elections.  

He noted that Gachagua must establish himself quickly as a formidable opposition leader before someone else fills the void left by Raila Odinga, who joined Ruto’s “broad-based” government. 

“The political space needs a leader who will outpace the competition and form a strong alliance capable of garnering nationwide support and trust from allies,” Muluka said.  

He acknowledged that while the timing of Gachagua’s party launch was appropriate, its success as a vehicle for capturing power in 2027 remains uncertain. 

Constitutional lawyer Newton Mathange disagreed with Muluka, arguing that because Ruto brought Raila into the government, Gachagua has already established himself as the de facto opposition leader by criticising the government and offering alternative solutions that resonate with the public. 

“Forming a party is a step in the right direction. He’s elevating his opposition leadership so that with his party, he can join forces with others like Kalonzo to form a coalition,” Mathange said.  

He added that Gachagua’s success will depend on whether his alliance can generate and sustain an anti-Ruto wave similar to previous election cycles. 

“Gachagua’s party must convince potential allies why they should form a coalition with it and develop a coherent strategy for challenging President Ruto that will earn public confidence,” he said.