Calls for reconciliation between Democracy for Citizen Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta have gained momentum as a 45-day political retreat at Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County enters its next phase.
The retreat, which began on June 16 and is expected to end on July 30, has brought together grassroots leaders, clergy, professionals and political aspirants to deliberate on Mt Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Reports emerging from the meetings indicate that discussions have centred on forging opposition unity, with claims that some allies of President William Ruto are also seeking to join the DCP.
Speaking during one of his daily live updates on June 22, Gachagua said he was prepared to abandon his presidential ambitions if doing so would strengthen efforts to unseat President Ruto in 2027.
“I’m more than ready to forfeit my presidential bid if that is all it takes to have President Ruto out of power. I am here to get your thoughts on who is the favourite choice if I am not picked. I am also here to get your support that you will influence the ground to bless me to campaign for that alternative candidate,” said the former deputy president.
He identified several opposition figures who could receive his backing, including Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Party’s Fred Matiang’i, who is backed by Uhuru Kenyatta, People Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Linda Mwananchi’s Edwin Sifuna, DAP-Kenya leader George Natembeya and Eugene Wamalwa.
A key issue emerging from the retreat is the possibility of Gachagua and Kenyatta working together before the next election.
Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago said the two leaders had reopened communication and were committed to presenting a united political position.
“As elders, I can confirm to you that the two are now on talking terms, and I am happy that there is no indication that they will be reading from different scripts about 2027.”
He added: “The two have over the past few days convinced us that they are committed to the national political discourse about uniting our people and linking them up with other national formations for the upcoming ballot contest.”
According to Kiago, discussions at the retreat reflect a willingness among Mt Kenya leaders to put aside personal ambitions in favour of building alliances capable of offering Kenyans an alternative government.
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Former provincial administrator Joseph Kaguthi, who has been coordinating engagements between elders, clergy and professionals, said the community had endorsed Gachagua to spearhead its political strategy, while Kenyatta would play an advisory role.
“I am happy that what is coming out of the conclave is not cultivation of tribalism, but a true desire to enter into a binding agreement that we will approach 2027 as a united community that is readily available for national partnership in making our country great.”
Former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, who chairs the DCP Council of Eminent Persons, described the retreat as a platform for shaping the region’s political future.
“In a nutshell, Mr Gachagua has managed to set the agenda of what we seek to achieve by July 30 when the conclave ends. Our unity as a community, our security in one big political party, fairness of bagging tickets, compromises in friendly zones like Nairobi, Mombasa and in the Maa community as well as on how we will approach the presidential ticket with broadness of mind ready to let go our claim and support another contender.”
The retreat is also focusing on strengthening the DCP’s influence in Mt Kenya, beginning with preparations for the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, where the party’s candidate, Sammy Ngotho, will face United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Muchina Nyaga.
DCP interim Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu said the by-election has featured prominently in the discussions, with party officials, aspirants and volunteers regularly visiting the Wamunyoro command centre to coordinate campaign activities.
“I have been to the conclave three times now, and I can tell you that among the most passionate topics that featured there is about the by-election. Mr Gachagua has been very supportive. He has participated in the ground mobilisation through phone calls as well as by giving the ground teams valuable advice.”
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said another contentious issue is whether leaders allied to President Ruto should be admitted into the DCP.
“It is true that three Cabinet secretaries and four principal secretaries have made contact with Mr Gachagua. There are other leaders who want to jump ship, and join DCP by August. While Mr Gachagua says the party should welcome all of them, but subject them to free and fair nominations in pursuit of the DCP ticket, some hardliners in the party do not welcome the idea.”
Nyutu said some party members oppose the move, accusing those leaders of supporting Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, backing actions against Gen Z protesters and enabling the alleged persecution of Mt Kenya residents.
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as Mejja Donk, said the former deputy president had assured aspirants that DCP nominations would be transparent and credible.
He added that Nairobi leaders are expected to visit Wamunyoro this week, with more than 400 aspirants already expressing interest in contesting MCA seats on the DCP ticket in the 2027 General Election.
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