The ongoing court battle surrounding the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now spilling into the political arena, with fresh questions emerging over the future of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
As the High Court prepares to rule on whether Gachagua’s impeachment was lawful, political commentator Joe Tooner has raised concerns that the outcome could effectively dismantle the party associated with the former deputy president.
“If the courts uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be barred from holding public office for 10 years,” Tooner noted. “That restriction extends beyond elective posts to include leadership of political parties, which raises serious questions about the viability of DCP.”
Legal Risk Meets Political Ambition
Gachagua is currently challenging his 2024 impeachment, arguing that the process was unconstitutional and politically driven.
However, a ruling affirming the impeachment would not only lock him out of the 2027 presidential race but also strip him of influence over any political outfit.
Tooner argues that despite these legal risks, Gachagua has continued to position himself as the face of DCP, even though he is not formally registered as a member or leader of the party.
“He has consistently marketed DCP as his political vehicle while hinting at a presidential bid that may not be legally tenable,” Tooner said. “That contradiction is what is raising eyebrows.”
Allegations of Financial Exploitation
The analyst further claims that the party could be used as a fundraising mechanism targeting political aspirants.
Reports indicate that individuals seeking to contest in the Olkalou by-election have allegedly been asked to pay up to Sh250,000 for party backing.
Tooner warns that if such a model is replicated nationwide, it could point to what he describes as a “large-scale money collection scheme.”
“Collecting funds from aspirants and supporters, including those in the diaspora, without a formally launched party structure raises transparency concerns,” he added.
Internal Divisions Surface
Beyond the legal uncertainties, DCP is reportedly facing internal wrangles that could accelerate its decline.
Tooner points to emerging tensions involving key figures such as Cleophas Malala, who is seen as a potential fallback leader should Gachagua be locked out.
However, Malala’s political base in Western Kenya may complicate his leadership of a party widely perceived to be rooted in the Mt Kenya region.
“There is a cultural and regional mismatch that could make it difficult for Malala to consolidate support,” Tooner observed.
At the same time, divisions within the party have become increasingly public, with some members openly questioning Malala’s loyalty. Other figures, including individuals believed to hold legal ownership of the party, are also said to be positioning themselves for control.
Possible Defections and Collapse
Signs of instability are already emerging, with reports that some members are considering shifting allegiance to the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has previously hinted at possible realignments, suggesting that politicians are seeking more stable platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
“To many, DCP increasingly looks like a temporary vehicle rather than a sustainable political party,” Tooner said. “If the court upholds the impeachment, it may trigger a mass exit and effectively mark the party’s collapse.”