Bunge La Mwananchi political activist Nuru Okanga has weighed in on the growing political influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), admitting that the party appears to be gaining ground at a rapid pace.
Okanga questioned what Gachagua was doing differently from other political leaders and parties, as a growing number of political figures shift their allegiance to DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His remarks came shortly after Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan joined DCP, abandoning the Jubilee Party in a move that has added momentum to Gachagua’s efforts to establish the party as a major political force.
“I have been asking myself, what is Gachagua doing right that other political parties are not doing?” Okanga said, while highlighting the latest developments within DCP.
He pointed to Hassan’s decision as one of the clearest signs of the party’s expanding appeal. The Kamukunji legislator has represented the constituency for four consecutive terms, making his decision to join Gachagua’s outfit politically significant.
Okanga also claimed that 15 constituency chairpersons from Nairobi had resigned from other political parties to join DCP, describing the developments as evidence of the party’s growing organisational presence in the capital.
“Because clearly, DCP is emerging as one of the biggest political parties in Kenya,” he said.
The commentator admitted that he was yet to establish Gachagua’s broader political strategy but acknowledged the former deputy president’s ability to attract political figures from different parties.
“I am yet to understand Gachagua’s game plan, but this guy is smart, truth be told,” Okanga added.
Hassan’s defection is the latest development in DCP’s ongoing expansion as political parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.
The move is also significant for Gachagua because Kamukunji provides the party with an entry point into Nairobi’s competitive political landscape.
DCP has increasingly attracted attention as Gachagua seeks to consolidate support beyond his traditional political base.
The former deputy president has also been involved in efforts to rally opposition forces and build a broader political coalition ahead of the next presidential election.
The latest defections are therefore likely to intensify competition among political parties seeking to control Nairobi constituencies and secure influential grassroots networks.
For Okanga, however, the rapid movement towards DCP raises a bigger question: what exactly is Gachagua doing differently to convince established politicians and grassroots leaders to join his relatively young party?