Rigathi Gachagua Gains Momentum as UDA Coordinators Defect to DCP in Uasin Gishu
Just days after unveiling the Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP), former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has achieved a significant political milestone. A section of former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) coordinators from Uasin Gishu County have officially abandoned President William Ruto’s UDA and declared their allegiance to Gachagua’s new political outfit.
The group, comprising several grassroots leaders, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press event convened to launch the DCP’s activities in the region. The coordinators confirmed their official defection from UDA and publicly expressed their support for Gachagua and the DCP party.
According to the defectors, their departure was prompted by internal frustrations, particularly the conduct of nominated Member of Parliament Michael Wambugu Wainaina. They accused the MP of sabotaging youth efforts and being the principal cause of their decision to abandon the ruling party.
The former coordinators claimed that Wainaina, appointed under the UDA banner, had undermined the youth agenda in Uasin Gishu. They alleged that he revoked the government appointments of two young individuals from the region shortly after UDA won the 2022 general election.
The group expressed disappointment over what they described as UDA’s failure to fulfill campaign promises made to the people of Uasin Gishu. They accused the party of abandoning its manifesto, which they said had initially offered hope to the youth and business community in the county.
In their statements, the defectors emphasized that their political shift was not motivated by tribal or ethnic grievances. They clarified that they had no animosity towards the Kalenjin community or President Ruto personally. Their concerns, they reiterated, were focused on unfulfilled promises and internal party frustrations.
“We have no issues with the Kalenjin community or even with President Ruto. However, we are deeply disappointed with how the UDA party has handled the promises it made to us,” one of the new DCP delegates stated.
The delegate referenced the closure of the Eldoret Central Business District (CBD) market, which had been a hub for local traders. According to him, this move adversely affected small-scale businesspeople, some of whom were forced to relocate to other towns such as Kitale and Kakamega to sustain their livelihoods.
He further noted that during the 2022 campaigns, they signed a business charter with President Ruto, who pledged to support and empower the youth economically. However, after Ruto’s victory, they claim only two youth appointments were made in Uasin Gishu—and both were later cancelled by MP Wainaina.
“President Ruto made a public promise to empower the youth and involve them in government. But only two youths were nominated, and their appointments were later revoked. How does that reflect youth empowerment?” the delegate posed.
Another speaker criticized the UDA’s nomination strategy, particularly regarding parliamentary slots. He condemned the decision to nominate what he described as an elderly man who lacks the energy and network to effectively mobilize support on the ground.
“That parliamentary nomination should have gone to a vibrant, youthful person—someone capable of rallying the community across Uasin Gishu. Instead, the President gave it to a 65-year-old man who can neither campaign nor coordinate activities,” the speaker stated.
He further emphasized that the choice was a missed opportunity for the youth and reflected a growing disconnect between UDA leadership and its grassroots support base.
The defectors expressed confidence in the DCP party, describing it as a platform committed to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens and empowering youth leadership. They pledged to continue mobilizing support for Gachagua’s party in Uasin Gishu and beyond.
“Our decision to join DCP is grounded in our belief in inclusive governance and grassroots empowerment. We are here to support a party that listens to the people and acts on their concerns,” said another delegate.
The group also appealed to other disillusioned UDA members to consider joining DCP, which they believe offers a more transparent and responsive political alternative.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the developments in Uasin Gishu are a clear indication of growing discontent within some segments of UDA’s support base. Gachagua’s DCP appears poised to capitalize on this dissatisfaction, particularly among the youth and small-scale traders who feel neglected under the current administration.
Political analysts are watching closely as these defections could signify early cracks in UDA’s once-solid grassroots network, especially in regions perceived to be UDA strongholds. The impact of these realignments may become more evident as political campaigns begin to take shape over the next year.
For now, Gachagua’s DCP has made a notable entry into Uasin Gishu politics, gaining not just attention but committed grassroots operatives who were previously loyal to President Ruto’s camp. The implications of this shift could be significant in shaping the political narrative leading up to the next election cycle.
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Rigathi Gachagua Gains Momentum as UDA Coordinators Defect to DCP in Uasin Gishu