Grassroots leaders from Nyeri County, the home turf of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have thrown their weight behind his newly unveiled political outfit--the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Meeting at a Nyeri town hotel on Friday, just a day after Mr Gachagua officially launched the party at its offices in Lavington, Nairobi, the leaders pledged their support and announced the formation of an interim county leadership team to spearhead party activities in the region.

The group, composed of former elected leaders and aspirants eyeing various positions in the 2027 General Election, unanimously appointed former Tana Water Works Development Agency (TWWDA) board chairman Wanyaga Gathaka as the interim coordinator for Nyeri County.

“I was tasked by the party leader to coordinate the party activities in Nyeri County as we begin our membership recruitment drive,” said Mr Gathaka.

“We have not officially launched the party nationally, but in agreement with our leader, we are starting to organize across all 47 counties. We are beginning right here in Nyeri, which is his home base.”

Mr Gathaka said that DCP will mobilise members from all six(6) constituencies in the county--Nyeri Town, Mukurwe-ini, Tetu, Kieni, Othaya, and Mathira--in preparation for the official national launch.

“This is only our first meeting. We plan to hold a series of engagements across the county to consolidate our support and communicate our party’s vision," he said.

The majority of those in attendance said they had defected from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by President William Ruto, expressing discontent with the party’s internal structures and leadership direction.

Prominent lawyer Davidson Warutere was appointed as the party’s Nyeri County Secretary and official spokesperson.

He emphasized that the DCP aims to offer an inclusive platform for aspirants and voters alike.

“Today, we are beginning the process of coordinating party affairs here in Nyeri,” said Warutere.

“Our leader has given us the green light to decentralise party activities to the grassroots level. His position is clear — he has no preferred candidates for any elective positions. This party is about inclusivity and fairness.”

Mr Warutere further urged Nyeri residents to register with the DCP, describing it as a transformative platform for a new chapter in Kenyan politics.

“This will be the largest political party in Kenya, built on transparency, unity, and accountability,” he said. “No aspirant will be locked out. Everyone will have a fair chance.”

Other leaders echoed his sentiments, expressing optimism that the DCP would provide a more robust and democratic structure compared to their previous political affiliations.

“The train has just left the station, and now is the best time to jump on board,” said Mahinda Kanyora, a leader from Kieni constituency.

“In 2022, we blindly joined a party that lacked proper systems — a mistake that cost Gachagua his position as Deputy President. But now, we have a party built on solid ground and a vision to unite Kenyans.”

Alice Kariuki, a women’s leader from Nyeri Town, praised Gachagua for launching a party that she believes will amplify women’s voices in politics.

“We thank our leader Gachagua for this timely move,” she said. “As women, we have faced many challenges when it comes to political participation. We are optimistic that this party will finally give us the platform and support we need to rise to leadership.”

According to the leaders, the DCP is envisioned as a grassroots-driven movement, committed to unity, empowerment, and progressive leadership.

While the party’s national launch date remains under wraps, the Nyeri leaders are already setting their sights on recruiting members, spreading the party’s message, and preparing for a strong showing in 2027.

“As a party, we’re focused on building from the bottom up,” concluded Gathaka. “We are inviting all like-minded individuals to join us in reshaping the political landscape of this country.”