Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), posted strong results in the Thursday, November 27 by-elections, winning three county assembly seats.
This marks a major milestone for the relatively new party, which was launched in May 2025—only six months before the polls.
DCP candidates clinched victories in Kariobangi North, Narok Town, and Kisa East Wards, boosting the party’s visibility and signaling its fast-growing influence in local politics.
Kariobangi North Ward Results
In Kariobangi North Ward, DCP’s David Warui emerged the winner after garnering 2,282 votes. He was closely trailed by independent candidate John Katua, who managed 1,956 votes.
ODM’s Ouma Majua came in third with 1,351 votes, while the ruling UDA candidate, Njoka Maina, finished fourth with 955 votes.
The win was particularly notable as Kariobangi North has previously been a competitive zone with strong party rivalries.
Kisa East Ward Results
In Kisa East Ward, DCP also celebrated another victory after Aduda Okwiri secured 1,952 votes. Joel Ongoro of the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) followed with 1,541 votes.
This seat had fallen vacant following the tragic killing of former MCA Peter Maloba in 2024 after he was attacked by unknown assailants.
The by-election therefore attracted significant attention, with residents hoping for stability and justice. Okwiri’s win strengthened DCP’s foothold in the region.
Narok Town Ward Results
The biggest win for Gachagua’s party came in Narok Town Ward, where Douglas Masikonde of DCP won with a commanding 6,007 votes. He was followed by UDA candidate Kanyike Ole Kudate, who received 4,479 votes.
Kanyike, the son of the late MCA Lucas Kudate, had hoped to retain the seat for his family after his father’s death in February 2025 due to illness. However, DCP managed to pull off a decisive victory, showing the growing momentum behind the party.
Gachagua Celebrates Results, Praises Voters
After the victories were confirmed, Gachagua posted a congratulatory message applauding voters for resisting intimidation and rejecting voter bribery, which he described as a persistent problem in Kenya’s politics.
He expressed pride in DCP’s rapid rise, saying,
“Our party, the newest kid on the block at only seven months old, has whitewashed old parties that have existed for over twenty years.”
Gachagua added that the wins proved Kenyans were ready for a new political alternative.
Tense Campaigns in Narok Town
The Narok Town contest was one of the most heated races in the by-elections. Gachagua personally traveled to the area to campaign for Masikonde, but the final days of the campaign turned chaotic.
On November 24, the former DP was teargassed by police during what he described as attempts to disrupt his rallies. He also accused groups of armed youths of trying to block his meetings, claiming they were sponsored by the government.
Gachagua later said that he had received intelligence reports suggesting his life was in danger, prompting him to wear a bulletproof vest and ballistic helmet during the campaign trail.
He stated,
“Clear instructions had been issued by this cowardly regime to block me and my entourage from accessing Narok Town… No amount of blood money, police brutality, or intimidation will silence the people of Kenya.”
Claims of Ballot Box Burning
After Masikonde was declared the winner, Gachagua again accused the government of trying to interfere with the election outcome. He claimed that state-sponsored goons, accompanied by police officers, attempted to burn ballot boxes and KIEMS kits in Narok Town.
According to his statement,
“After losing the Narok Township Ward by-election, the government has sent goons and police to burn ballot boxes and KIEMS kits, but it is too little, too late.”
These allegations added to the tension surrounding the polls, although authorities had not immediately issued responses.
Earlier Accusations Against IEBC and Police
Even before the by-elections took place, Gachagua had raised alarms about possible election interference. In a series of letters, he accused some police officers and certain IEBC officials of planning to rig the polls.
In a letter dated November 25 addressed to IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, Gachagua warned that the commission’s credibility was on the line, especially as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election.
He wrote,
“It is upon your commission to earn the trust of the people of Kenya. Your credibility is on the line ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
A Strong Start for DCP
With three by-election wins under its belt, DCP has established itself as a growing force in Kenya’s political scene.
The victories also give Gachagua a major boost as he positions himself and his party for the upcoming national elections. Many political observers now believe DCP may play a more influential role in shaping political alliances ahead of 2027.
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