Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday celebrated what he called a “turning point” for the Democratic Change Party (DCP) after the outfit clinched three seats in the November 27 by-elections, even as he accused the government of using intimidation and voter suppression to block further victories.
Gachagua hosted the newly elected leaders — Douglas Masikonde, Aduda Okwiri and David Wanyoike — at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi, describing them as the party’s “newborn triplets” whose wins mark the rise of a new political force. “Our party is the newest kid on the block; we are eternally grateful to Kenyans who have shown us great support and trust,” he said, noting that DCP performed strongly in Kakamega, Nairobi, Narok, Kilifi and Kajiado.
DCP contested five seats in the by-elections and secured three. Gachagua said the victories demonstrated the rapid growth of a party that did not exist before the 2022 elections. “When the history of DCP will be written, you will feature prominently,” he told the newly elected leaders.
He claimed that the party lost narrowly in Magarini Constituency and Purko Ward due to what he described as “state-sponsored violence, goons, voter suppression, and vote stealing by the notorious thief you all know and his brood of vipers of this despotic regime.” His remarks reflect an escalating political rivalry with President William Ruto’s administration, which he has repeatedly accused of targeting the opposition and weaponising state agencies.
The November by-elections were called after a series of seat nullifications and resignations, drawing fierce competition between ruling coalition parties, emerging outfits like DCP, and local political heavyweights. Opposition parties have long complained about the uneven playing field in by-elections, where state resources often tilt the contest.
Gachagua urged the new leaders to serve their constituencies with commitment while remaining rooted in the party’s ideology. “Represent your people as you stand by our philosophy as a party,” he said, adding that the wins show voters are “hungry for a fresh alternative.”
