Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Using Kuria to Split Opposition Votes in Mbeere North
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that a coordinated plan orchestrated within the Kenya Kwanza administration was designed to fracture opposition support during the Mbeere North by-election held on November 27.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, December 10, the former Deputy President claimed President William Ruto and ex-Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria colluded to use Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party to dilute support for Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as “Karish”. Kariuki narrowly lost the race after United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki Wa Muthende secured victory with 15,802 votes against his 15,308.
According to Gachagua, the alleged interference specifically targeted clan voting patterns in Mbeere North. He told supporters that community elders had approached him to help consolidate opposition support behind Kariuki.
“When elders of Mbeere approached me, it was because of clan dynamics. Karish comes from one clan. Elders told me if we have two candidates, it is not good,” Gachagua said. “They asked me to step down so that this clan could have one candidate, so I withdrew the DCP candidate.”
Gachagua argued that the opposition had positioned itself well for a decisive win until, he claimed, government operatives urged Kuria to introduce a counter-candidate—Duncan Mbui—under the CCK banner.
“But then the government approached Kuria. His party is one of the many wheelbarrows. They asked Kuria to field a guy who got 2,500 votes. Those votes, because of clan dynamics, could have gone to Newton Karish,” he alleged.
Kuria, who left government earlier this year, has since revived his political vehicle and denied accusations that his party was acting as a proxy for the ruling coalition in Mount Kenya. He has maintained that his decision to field candidates in the by-elections was rooted in party-building, not political sabotage.
Despite accusing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of mishandling aspects of the vote, Gachagua insisted he was encouraged by the overall performance of opposition parties, particularly his own DCP, which is only seven months old.
The party clinched three seats nationwide—Narok Town Ward in Narok County, Kariobangi North Ward in Nairobi County, and Kisa East Ward in Kakamega County. Gachagua said these results demonstrated the party’s growing national profile.
“The by-elections gave DCP a chance to show its outlook and acceptance, and this is the party to watch. This was a small dance, and we are looking forward to the main dance,” he stated.
On whether he plans to challenge any results, the DCP leader said he was satisfied with his party’s performance but would support other opposition groups seeking to contest outcomes in court.
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Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Using Kuria to Split Opposition Votes in Mbeere North