Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of covertly plotting to infiltrate the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) prior to the 2027 General Election, potentially escalating political tensions in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking to media at parliament buildings on Tuesday, May 26, Cherargei asserted that UDA was arranging to back candidates within DCP for crucial electoral positions, particularly the closely watched Kirinyaga governor’s contest.
The politician criticized former Deputy President Rigathi for converting the party into what he described as the most lucrative marketplace in politics. “I must caution all candidates affiliated with DCP that it operates as the highest auction house. I have information that those with financial backing will receive party nominations from DCP,” Cherargei stated.
The senator further claimed that Gachagua’s much-publicized effort to raise Ksh2 billion during his recent UK trip had fallen short, asserting that he returned with only a small portion of the goal from Kenyan diaspora members. “He informed us he would secure Ksh2 billion in London, but reports indicate he collected merely Ksh2 million, or possibly Ksh1.5 million, since Kenyans both locally and abroad recognize this as a political deception,” Cherargei asserted.
Cherargei also asserted that UDA sought to preserve its influence in Mt Kenya even via candidates competing under opposition party banners, implying that certain DCP politicians maintained covert allegiance to the ruling party. “As the governing party, Mt Kenya remains a UDA stronghold. We won’t permit anyone to deceive us. We will have our candidates in both UDA and DCP, though they pledge allegiance to UDA when not in public,” the senator explained.
Regarding Kirinyaga County politics specifically, Cherargei maintained that the administration was committed to maintaining the influence of leaders loyal to President Ruto following Governor Anne Waiguru’s departure.
The Kirinyaga governor’s contest is already developing as one of the most intense political battles in the Mt Kenya region preceding 2027, as Waiguru is constitutionally prohibited from running again.
Among individuals who have shown interest in the position is former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici, who has left UDA and joined opposition forces. Ngirici, who narrowly lost to Waiguru in the 2022 governor’s race by less than 8,000 votes, recently announced her willingness to run on any opposition party ticket. “I will align with any opposition party, whether DCP, PLP, Jubilee, or DP, as long as it opposes the government,” Ngirici stated previously.
Concurrently, Gachagua’s supporters have rejected assertions that his UK journey constituted a fundraising failure, arguing that the former DP intentionally curtailed his visit to return and address urgent national matters.
On a prior occasion, Gachagua had also cancelled a scheduled London visit to manage DCP nominations for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The political competition for Mt Kenya has grown more intense in recent months, as numerous officials elected under UDA have gradually distanced themselves from the ruling party. This includes the Kirinyaga Woman Representative in the area. As of publication time, neither DCP nor UDA had issued formal responses to Cherargei’s particular infiltration allegations.