Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has escalated his political offensive against President William Ruto, while seeking to expand his influence beyond the Mt. Kenya region.

On Monday, June 23, Gachagua hosted members of the Maa community from Kajiado, Samburu, and Narok counties at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri county to consolidate support.

During the meeting, Gachagua recounted his fallout with Ruto, claiming their political differences deepened after the 2022 elections, culminating in the heated Finance Bill 2024 debate.

He alleged that Ruto paid MPs and senators allied to him to attack his leadership and that he distanced himself from the administration when the situation escalated to violence.

Gachagua said he refused to be part of it, citing his Christian faith and marriage to a pastor.

He assured the Maa leaders that the government would no longer sideline their community in appointments, noting that this was the first time the government had excluded them from the Cabinet.

He also unveiled his plan to reward all DCP gubernatorial candidates in the post-2027 power structure.

Gachagua promised that governors elected under the DCP banner would be required to share half of their government positions with his loyalists, securing opportunities for his supporters.

"Don’t fight too much. For those who may not succeed, the governors elected under DCP will have an agreement — half of their positions must be given to us as the party. This way, all my people who may lose, but are still good, will have somewhere to be placed," Gachagua stated.

He also emphasised that in Nairobi, the DCP would push for nominated MCA slots, encouraging the Maa to propose strong youth candidates.

The DCP leader further urged the Maa community to allow him to launch his party in one of their counties, calling for a private venue to be secured for the event, which he has scheduled for July 7, 2025.

"I also ask you to let me launch my party in one of your counties so that my opponents don’t use goons to disrupt me. A private venue should be found and arranged; the event will be on July 7,” he said.

The former Mathira MP pledged to mobilise support for DCP candidates and continue pushing to solidify his national political base.

In other news, the former deputy president criticised Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, accusing him of betrayal despite his past campaign support.

Gachagua alleged that the MP accepted KSh 3 million from the president to block roads and prevent his team from attending a church event.

He further claimed the MP was paid to incite violence among women in the area. Further, Gachagua questioned the MP's leadership and chances of re-election after such actions.

Source: TUKO.co.ke