- Rigathi Gachagua asked Kalonzo Musyoka to allow DCP to take the Kasarani MP seat.
- He said his party is already strong in the area and would win the constituency.
- Kalonzo rejected the idea, saying partnership does not mean giving away seats.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has signalled he wants a major role in the 2027 political race. During a church event, he publicly asked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to let his new party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), take the Kasarani constituency.
He used warm language, even calling Kalonzo his cousin, but the intention was clear. He wants room for DCP to expand its influence. Gachagua insisted that the party already has strong numbers in Kasarani and would win the seat if given space.
The current MP, Ronald Karauri, is an independent aligned with President William Ruto’s side.
While making the request, Gachagua also delivered an ambitious plan for the Wiper–DCP cooperation. He claimed the alliance could sweep Nairobi by winning the governor, senator, women representative, 16 out of 17 MPs and 75 out of 85 wards.
But Kalonzo immediately pushed back. He said that a political partnership does not mean surrendering territory and warned Gachagua against creating the impression that Wiper is giving Nairobi to DCP.
After his remarks drew sharp responses, Gachagua softened his tone. He blamed the media for allegedly twisting his statements and suggested reporters tried to portray him as pushing for Kikuyu domination in Nairobi politics.
He insisted he supports inclusion and wants all communities in the capital to feel represented.
Political critics believe Gachagua’s new tactics show personal ambition more than unity. In recent by-elections, Wiper and DCP stepped aside, hoping for cooperation, but UDA still won the seats, raising doubts about such deals.
The Kasarani request now stands as a major test. Gachagua cannot run for president unless his impeachment is overturned, so he is positioning himself as a kingmaker. By pushing for Kasarani and strengthening DCP in Nairobi, he aims to boost his influence among Mt Kenya voters while tying his future to Kalonzo’s 2027 path.
