DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua will soon undertake an initial organizational effort in his Nyeri region to address developing conflicts within his party.
Beginning next month, the ex-Deputy President plans to establish a presence in Nyeri to oversee local political affairs and mounting tensions among candidates.
These tensions emerge as Gachagua works to convert a passionate anti-government movement into a dedicated political following.
In this context, he is implementing a bottom-up political approach, focusing on developing his support from the community level.
According to sources from DCP headquarters, significant organizational changes are planned, affecting the youth and women organizations, along with county party coordination.
Gachagua has already implemented changes at the party’s upper echelons, promoting his trusted ally Nyandarua Senator John Methu to the powerful role of secretary general-designate, succeeding founder Hezron Obaga.
During the unexpected reorganization on Tuesday, this step was viewed as part of broader initiatives to strengthen authority over the party’s internal functions.
While announcing the modifications in Nairobi, Gachagua stated that Methu would commence his duties immediately as party spokesperson and acting secretary general, awaiting formal ratification from the Political Parties Registrar.
For all practical purposes, Senator John Methu is a member of DCP, and he will commence his role today as secretary general-designate and serve as the party’s spokesperson on all matters,” he stated.
Methu has become one of Gachagua’s most ardent political supporters and defenders in Parliament, with his promotion commonly seen as an effort to solidify a reliable inner circle before an anticipated contentious political confrontation with Kenya Kwanza.
Concurrently, increasing speculation about upcoming restructuring in Nyeri county has revealed indications of discomfort within DCP’s community-level organizations.
The source indicated that comprehensive changes were forthcoming in Nyeri, involving the replacement of the county coordinator, reorganization of youth league leadership, and restructuring of party offices.
Although The Star could not confirm these changes independently, they have fueled political discussions in Mt Kenya regarding loyalty conflicts, internal rivalries, and leadership transitions developing within the rapidly expanding organization.
Gachagua is also anticipated to spearhead political discussions to determine 2027 candidates in the county, especially regarding the governor’s position.
As current holder Mutahi Kahiga completes his final term, the position has drawn numerous candidates from both DCP and UDA.
Among these are former Othaya MP Gichuki Mugambi, Deputy Governor David Kinaniri, Eng Wangai Ndirangu, Amb Peter Muniri, and Senator Wahome Wamatinga.
Gachagua has previously announced his direct involvement in selecting the next governor.
We face a challenge in Nyeri. Devolution implementation remains inadequate. We must sit down and discuss the governor’s position,” he stated during the funeral of Eala MP Kanini Kega’s mother.
We must find a dedicated individual who will serve the people of Nyeri. This time we must select quality leaders.
He added that while the county has produced outstanding leaders since Independence, it has also witnessed its share of disloyal individuals requiring attention.
All those walking with him and cheering him on and praising him must go home with him,” he said.
Among those he is publicly opposing are Senator Wamatangi, Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and area MPs Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Wambugu Wainaina (Othaya) and Nyeri Town’s Dunn Maina.
Political analysts suggest this represents Gachagua’s effort to personally stabilize and strengthen his regional support base amid increasing pressure from rival local interests.
Whenever a political movement grows rapidly, especially around one dominant figure, the next phase is usually battles over access, positions, nominations and influence,” political analyst Dennis Mwangi, who hails from the county, told The Star.
The challenge becomes managing ambition before it becomes rebellion.
In consolidating the region, Gachagua has also indicated a preference of working with incumbent MCAs, urging residents not to be harsh on them over failures of the governor.
Gachagua met the MCAs on May 12, when they briefed him on “the state of the county and what the ground is saying”.
The Nyeri dynamics are particularly sensitive because the county is considered central to Gachagua’s political legitimacy in Mt Kenya.
Any visible instability in the region risks weakening his image as the undisputed political mobiliser of the mountain and could embolden rivals seeking influence in the anti-Ruto movement.
Claims of sabotage, disloyalty and parallel political operations by some grassroots figures, suggesting growing mistrust in sections of the party, have made Gachagua to quickly attend to the concerns, the DCP source said.
Youth politics is emerging as another potentially sensitive fault line. There is chatter over ‘imposed’ youth officials and demands for elections in the party’s youth league structures.
That could become politically significant at a time when Gen Z-driven activism continues reshaping the political landscape and placing pressure on political parties to open up space for younger voices.