MURANG’A, Kenya- Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has joined former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), becoming one of the most prominent elected leaders to publicly align with the opposition party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kang’ata announced on Saturday that he will defend his Murang’a gubernatorial seat on a DCP ticket in the 2027 elections while maintaining his association with the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi movement.
“Come 2027, I will defend my seat via DCP but remain a bridge that connects with Linda Mwananchi,” Kang’ata said.
The governor made the announcement during a meeting at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence, where the former Deputy President formally welcomed him into the party.
“Welcome home, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, where you belong,” Gachagua said.
He added: “Today at Wamunyoro Residence, I was pleased to receive my younger brother, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Governor of Murang’a County, as a member of our party, DCP, the party of the moment and the future.”
Kang’ata also recalled that he had predicted Gachagua’s political rise on July 20, 2024, expressing confidence in the former Deputy President’s growing influence in national politics ahead of the next General Election.
The governor’s defection is expected to strengthen DCP’s foothold in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been working to consolidate support following his fallout with President William Ruto’s administration.
Gachagua said the party had continued to attract support since its launch and was positioning itself as a national political outfit capable of competing for power in the August 10, 2027 General Election.
“Since its inception, the DCP Party has grown into a strong national party with millions of followers and thousands of prospective aspirants ahead of the 2027 polls,” he said.
He added that the party already has representation in both Parliament and county assemblies.
“We now have a Member of the National Assembly and three Members of the County Assemblies from across the country, reflecting the face of Kenya. As we prepare for the next General Election, we are determined to be the majority party in both Houses and the majority across county assemblies,” Gachagua said.
The reception for Kang’ata was attended by several senior DCP leaders, including Secretary-General designate Senator John Methu, National Organising Secretary Senator Mithika Linturi, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kirinyaga Senator James Murango Kinyua, Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa.
Kang’ata’s move marks a significant political development in the Mt Kenya region, where parties have intensified efforts to recruit influential leaders and strengthen their grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.