Controversy is emerging within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) after its boss, Rigathi Gachagua, put forth a plan requiring those who run for governor in 2027 to sign deals if they win. These deals would make them give half of all county job spots to the party.
Gachagua announced the proposal during a closed-door meeting with Maa community leaders at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri this week. He argued that the move is meant to reward party loyalists and provide roles for competent aspirants who don’t win in the elections.
“Governors elected on the DCP ticket will have a signed agreement. They will retain half the county slots, while the other half will be surrendered to the party,” Gachagua said. “That way, those aspirants who may not win but are competent and loyal will have a place to go.”
While Gachagua sees the plan as a way to strengthen party loyalty and unity, the idea has triggered immediate backlash from some DCP aspirants. They argue that the proposal could undermine the authority of governors once in office, discourage vigorous campaigning, and ignite internal wrangles over appointments.
Several aspirants are concerned that surrendering half of their appointments will strip them of control over their own county governments and complicate governance.
“You can’t fight through a tough nomination, campaign across an entire county, win, and then be forced to cede half of your government – possibly to people who supported your rival,” said one gubernatorial aspirant as reported by the Star. “The proposal is dead on arrival.”
Even as pushback grows in the Democracy for the Citizens Party, Gachagua stands strong behind his idea, claiming it’s key to keep unity after the rough primary races that often lead to in-party fights, people leaving, and bad showings in big elections.
“This is the only way to avoid fallout. We’ve seen too many parties lose strong candidates and seats because of internal wrangles after nominations,” Gachagua said.
While some in the party see the proposal as a power move by those at the top, others think it might be a smart middle ground to stop splits after tough primaries. They feel that by giving spots to those who lose, it might lower hard feelings and keep the group together before big votes.
Trying to ease the tensions, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a close ally of Gachagua, played down the strictness of the proposal, calling it a mere idea to start talks within the party.
“It’s just a suggestion. We’ve not deliberated on it in detail,” Muriu said. “I hope it will be properly discussed by party stakeholders to build consensus.”
