Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has moved to redirect monthly financial contributions by Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), in a fresh development that could reshape grassroots political financing in the Mt Kenya region.
Gachagua announced the move on Friday, November 13, 2026, while hosting a delegation of 30 Nyeri MCAs who declared their departure from UDA to join DCP.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, the former Deputy President asked the legislators to issue instructions stopping deductions previously remitted to UDA and redirecting the money to his new political outfit.
Under the proposed arrangement, elected MCAs contribute KSh5,000 monthly, while nominated MCAs contribute KSh10,000.
“We have agreed that they will give instructions so that the five thousand shillings deductions for elected MCAs and the ten thousand deductions for nominated MCAs that were being remitted to UDA are forthwith. And that money will now be directed to DCP,” Gachagua stated.
The announcement signals an attempt to build DCP’s financial base through elected representatives as the party seeks to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, Gachagua’s announcement did not establish whether the deductions had already been stopped or whether DCP had started receiving the contributions.
30 Nyeri MCAs abandon UDA
The financial directive came as Gachagua received 30 Nyeri MCAs led by County Assembly Speaker James Gichuhi at his Wamunyoro residence.
Their entry into DCP adds to a growing list of political figures abandoning the ruling party in favour of Gachagua’s outfit.
The former Deputy President also welcomed Subukia MP Samuel Gachobe and Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba, who had left UDA.
Gachagua said Karemba would work alongside Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji to popularise DCP across Embu County.
The party is targeting the governorship, parliamentary positions and all 20 ward seats in the county.
Gachobe, who represents Subukia Constituency in Nakuru County, also pledged to popularise DCP and support its political ambitions.
Gachagua builds DCP’s grassroots financial network
The latest developments point to a broader effort by Gachagua to establish DCP as a political alternative in the Mt Kenya region, where UDA previously enjoyed considerable support during the 2022 General Election.
Beyond attracting elected leaders, redirecting their monthly contributions could give DCP an additional source of party financing and strengthen its organisational structures at the grassroots.
President William Ruto in Trans Nzoia County on Mazingira Day. Photo/https://web.facebook.com/williamsamoei
The defections also present a political challenge for UDA as competing political camps seek to consolidate support in the region ahead of the next General Election.
Gachagua was President William Ruto’s running mate in 2022 before their political fallout culminated in his removal from the Deputy President’s office in October 2024.
Since then, the two leaders have emerged as competing political figures seeking influence in Mt Kenya, a region whose political alignment remains important in the build-up to the 2027 elections.