Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified political engagements at the grassroots, positioning his camp as a key player in the unfolding race toward the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua on Thursday hosted an aspirant from Kirinyaga County at his Wamunyoro residence, using the meeting to underscore the importance of continuous engagement with local leaders as part of building a responsive and inclusive political movement.
The former deputy president held talks with Michael Maringa Gitari, an aspirant for the Ndia Constituency seat under the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The meeting, according to Gachagua, was part of a broader strategy to strengthen internal party structures and connect with emerging leaders at the constituency level.
“Continued and sustained engagement with various leaders is essential as it helps to maintain a democratic process that is dynamic, responsive, and inclusive,” Gachagua said.
During the discussions, Gachagua assured the aspirant that the party would conduct fair and transparent nominations, a promise that comes at a time when political parties are under increasing pressure to demonstrate internal democracy ahead of the next elections.
He also urged Maringa to intensify grassroots voter registration efforts, noting that the party register would play a crucial role in determining candidates during the nomination process.
“I assured him of fair and transparent nominations under the DCP party and advised him to continue grassroots registration efforts, as the party register will be used during the nominations,” Gachagua said.
The remarks signal a growing emphasis on grassroots mobilisation, as political formations seek to build support bases early in the election cycle. Analysts say such efforts are critical in regions like Kirinyaga, where local dynamics and voter turnout often shape electoral outcomes.
Gachagua further described the DCP as “the party of the moment,” positioning it as a vehicle aligned with the will of the people and committed to fairness in its internal processes.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of an evolving political landscape following Gachagua’s dramatic fallout with President William Ruto, a split that has reconfigured alliances within the ruling coalition and beyond.
Since his exit from government, Gachagua has been actively engaging leaders across the Mt Kenya region and other parts of the country, in what observers interpret as a strategy to consolidate influence and possibly mount a strong political comeback.
His focus on structured party registration and transparent nominations also appears aimed at distinguishing his outfit from established parties that have previously faced criticism over chaotic or disputed primaries.
Kirinyaga County, where the Ndia Constituency seat lies, is expected to be a key battleground in the coming elections, with multiple aspirants already positioning themselves for various seats.
Political observers note that early engagements such as the Wamunyoro meeting are likely to shape alliances, influence party loyalty, and determine the strength of candidates heading into the nomination phase.
As the 2027 contest gradually takes shape, Gachagua’s outreach signals an attempt to rebuild political capital and assert relevance in a rapidly shifting landscape, where grassroots networks and party structures are expected to play a decisive role.
