Days After Kang’ata’s Exit, Governor Badilisha Defects from UDA to DCP
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), marking another high-profile defection from the ruling party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua announced the move on Wednesday, 29 July, saying Governor Badilisha and several members of the Nyandarua County Assembly had formally joined DCP. The announcement came less than a month after the party won the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, a result that strengthened its position in the Mt Kenya region.
Speaking at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County, Gachagua welcomed the governor and his team, describing their decision as part of what he called the “liberation of Kenya”. He said the new members would defend their seats under the DCP banner during the party’s primaries next year.
Badilisha’s defection follows that of Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who left UDA for DCP on 24 July. Kang’ata’s move was widely seen as a significant gain for Gachagua’s party, which is seeking to establish itself as an alternative to President William Ruto’s ruling party. The addition of two governors strengthens DCP’s presence in the politically influential Mt Kenya region.
DCP’s recent momentum was reinforced by its victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election earlier this month. Its candidate, Sammy Kamau Ngotho Waweru, won 35,440 votes, defeating UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450 votes. The result was widely viewed as a sign of the party’s growing support at the grassroots level.
The latest defections reflect continued political realignments as parties seek to strengthen their support ahead of the 2027 General Election. For DCP, gaining the backing of Nyandarua’s leadership expands its influence in Mt Kenya and strengthens its position as it seeks to broaden its national appeal.
It remains unclear whether the party’s recent gains will translate into wider electoral success. However, the recent defections and by-election victory suggest DCP is becoming an increasingly significant force in Kenya’s political landscape as preparations for the next general election continue.
