Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has officially joined the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), becoming the latest senior political leader to defect to the party led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua announced the defection on Wednesday after receiving Governor Badilisha and members of the Nyandarua County Assembly into the party, describing the move as a major boost to DCP's growing support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking after the meeting, Gachagua said the governor and the county legislators had committed to defending their seats on DCP tickets and participating in the party's nomination process.
"I am delighted to receive Governor Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua County and the entire County Assembly into the DCP Party," Gachagua said.
"They have assured me that they will defend their seats on DCP Party tickets, and they shall form part of the aspirants in the party primaries next year. I have assured them that the party primaries will be free and fair."
The former deputy president said the Nyandarua leadership had joined what he described as a broader movement aimed at transforming the country's political landscape.
"The people of Nyandarua County, led by their Governor, have brought a message of goodwill from the people of Nyandarua County; they are answering the call for the liberation of Kenya. To them, the future is green," he said.
"On the liberation of our nation, we are on the same wavelength. With certainty, we shall achieve the best future for our nation."
Gachagua also used the occasion to intensify his criticism of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claiming more leaders were abandoning the party in favour of DCP.
"The mass exodus from unpopular parties, notably the infamous UDA, continues," he said. Governor Badilisha's defection marks another significant political realignment in the Mt Kenya region, where Gachagua has been consolidating support since launching DCP.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua welcomes Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha at Wamunyoro's residence on July 29, 2026.
PHOTO/DCP
The move is expected to strengthen the party's grassroots structures in Nyandarua County as political parties intensify recruitment and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The governor's entry into DCP comes amid increasing political repositioning by elected leaders across the country, with several politicians reassessing their affiliations ahead of the next electoral cycle.
DCP has in recent months stepped up efforts to attract governors, legislators and members of county assemblies as it seeks to establish itself as a formidable political force challenging the dominance of established parties.
Badilisha's switch is likely to heighten political competition in the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, where parties are seeking to solidify their support bases ahead of the 2027 polls.