
In a devastating blow to Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the party’s official candidate for the upcoming Mbeere North by-election has defected, announcing a bold move to join Moses Kuria’s Chama cha Kazi (CCK), ahead of a fiery electoral showdown.
The new entrant, Duncan Mbui—formerly a DCP-backed deputy county official—confirmed the switch today. The move comes after he accused DCP of betrayal, alleging that pressure from the United Opposition stifled his nomination in the hotly contested constituency. “DCP ceased to be a real party in Mbeere North. It became a secret members club deciding that no candidate should be fielded there. That betrayed me and my supporters,” Mbui declared, confirming he now seeks CCK’s ticket.
Sources familiar with the matter also reveal that the endorsement ceremony took place privately at Kuria’s Nairobi offices, where Mbui was issued a nomination certificate to represent CCK—officially confirming the alliance shift.
Political analysts say the defection has implications on two fronts. First, it fractures the newly forming DCP-Uzito coalition that sought to unify opposition ground in Mt. Kenya. Second, it injects fresh life into Moses Kuria’s CCK, positioning the party as a disruptive force in a region long dominated by Jubilee, UDA, and DP factions.
Mbeere North, traditionally a battleground with strong opposition undercurrents, now faces intensified competition. Mbui’s defection gives the Kuria camp both symbolic and strategic advantage, potentially drawing votes from disillusioned opposition followers.