Nyandarua Governor Badilisha ditches UDA for Gachagua’s DCP

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has defected from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join his party the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) led by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, Gachagua said the governor had joined DCP together with the entire Nyandarua County Assembly leadership, describing the move as another boost for the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to Gachagua, the governor and the MCAs have committed to defending their seats on DCP tickets and will participate in the party's nomination exercise.

"I am delighted to receive Governor Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua County and the entire County Assembly into the DCP Party. 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," he wrote.

Gachagua said the Nyandarua leaders had aligned themselves with what he described as a national liberation movement.

"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. On the liberation of our nation, we are on the same wavelength. With certainty, we shall achieve the best future for our nation," Gachagua stated.

The former deputy president also claimed that more leaders were abandoning the ruling party in favour of DCP.

"The mass exodus from unpopular parties, notably the infamous UDA, continues. God Bless Kenya," he said.

The latest defection comes just days after Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata also crossed over to Gachagua's party after first leaving UDA to join the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Kang'ata's move marked one of the biggest political shifts in the Mt. Kenya region, with Gachagua describing it as evidence of DCP's growing influence following the party's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.