Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has cut political ties with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, dealing a fresh blow to his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as internal cracks continue to widen.
Kihara has moved to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), becoming the latest prominent figure to walk away from Gachagua’s camp. Her shift underscores growing unease among lawmakers who had previously aligned themselves with the former deputy president.
According to allies familiar with her decision, Kihara grew increasingly uncomfortable with what she viewed as excessive financial demands placed on elected leaders within Gachagua’s circle. The concerns, they say, were compounded by frustrations over leadership approach and the handling of party affairs, issues that have quietly simmered for months.
Her exit comes amid a wave of defections that has seen several once-loyal Gachagua allies quietly return to President William Ruto’s political base. Juja MP George Koimburi and Githunguri’s Gathoni Wamuchomba are among those who have recently shifted allegiance, a move widely seen as early positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The development is particularly significant for Nakuru County politics, coming shortly after Gachagua hosted Wakili Njoroge Ngigi, a DCP aspirant eyeing the Naivasha parliamentary seat. Ngigi has been viewed as a key Gachagua ally in the region and is expected to challenge Kihara in the next election.
Kihara’s defection now reshapes the local political contest, strengthening UDA’s foothold while raising fresh questions about Gachagua’s grip on his remaining supporters.