Cherargei Alleges UDA Plans to Penetrate Gachagua’s DCP in Mt Kenya Race for 2027

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has claimed that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is strategising to infiltrate former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the 2027 General Election, by backing candidates within the party in Mt Kenya.

Speaking at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Tuesday, Cherargei alleged that UDA intends to maintain its political foothold in the Mt Kenya region despite the rising influence of DCP, which is seen as Gachagua’s political vehicle ahead of the next polls.

He suggested that the ruling party will field aspirants both under its own ticket and within DCP structures, arguing that some candidates may publicly associate with the opposition outfit while still remaining loyal to UDA.

“We are going to have our candidates in UDA and also in DCP, but they sing UDA at night,” Cherargei said, maintaining that Mt Kenya remains a key stronghold for the ruling coalition.

The senator further claimed that the strategy is aimed at securing key elective positions in the region, including the highly competitive Kirinyaga gubernatorial race, where political realignments are already taking shape ahead of Governor Anne Waiguru’s exit after completing her two terms.

Cherargei said the party’s priority is to ensure that leaders aligned to the Kenya Kwanza administration win elective seats across the region.

“I was in Murang’a and Kirinyaga. We must ensure we win. We need leaders who are friendly to government so that after elections they come on board,” he said.

He also accused Gachagua of turning DCP into what he described as a “political auction,” alleging that party nominations are influenced by financial contributions from aspirants.

“I want to warn aspirants under DCP that it is an auction house. Those who are funded will be given tickets,” he alleged.

Cherargei further claimed that Gachagua’s recent political engagements in the United Kingdom failed to meet fundraising expectations, alleging that the former deputy president raised far less than anticipated.

“He said he was going to raise Ksh2 billion in London, but I am told he raised only Ksh2 million,” he claimed.

Allies of Gachagua, however, have dismissed the allegations, insisting that his UK trip was shortened due to urgent political engagements in Kenya, including preparations for upcoming by-elections and strengthening of DCP party structures.

The claims come amid shifting political dynamics in Mt Kenya, where a number of leaders elected on UDA tickets have recently shown signs of warming up to Gachagua’s camp.

Among those associated with the emerging opposition alignment are former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Wangui Ngirici, who has declared interest in the 2027 gubernatorial race under an opposition-backed ticket, and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, who has also been linked to DCP activities.