NAIROBI, Kenya — The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has lifted the lid on Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi’s final demands before he defected to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), exposing a fraught and highly personal negotiation.
In a statement released on Thursday, DCP said Koimburi had never formally been a party member despite his close association with the party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
“Hon. Koimburi has never been a member of the party and has never been involved in party activities,” the party said.
The statement accuses Koimburi of attempting to leverage his support during the party leader’s impeachment trial for personal gain.
According to DCP, during a private meeting with the party leader on Monday, January 12, Koimburi expressed anger over fellow politician Aloise Kinyanjui being allowed to join the party.
“He was aggrieved that the party leader had given the said Kinyanjui an opportunity to greet people at Kimbo Junction in Juja,” DCP said.
Kinyanjui is a brother of former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
2/2 14. The party leader however accepted his request not to attend his functions for as long as he was uncomfortable to be seen with him. Hon. Koimburi informed the party leader that he would think about it and revert. He confirmed attendance for a retreat of members of
The MP reportedly demanded written assurance that he would receive a direct nomination to contest the 2027 elections and sought exemption from attending public party functions until February, ostensibly to slow down the prosecution of “various criminal cases facing him.”
DCP claims Koimburi threatened to return to Ruto’s camp if his conditions were not met.
The party leader rejected Koimburi’s demands, stressing that DCP is a democratic party.
“It would be undemocratic to exempt them from party nominations as that would effectively kill the party that is enjoying massive support,” the statement said.
On the MP’s departure, DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga said, “We wish Hon. Koimburi success in his party of choice. DCP remains committed to free, fair, and transparent nominations for all positions in the 2027 General Election.”
“Loyalty during the impeachment is appreciated, but no individual is above the party’s democratic process.”
Despite the rejection, Koimburi was reportedly allowed to skip party functions temporarily and attended a retreat with other MPs allied to DCP, even taking a photo with the party leader that was circulated by his supporters pledging loyalty.
