DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua in a Past Campaign Rally. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Former Deputy President-turned opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has praised the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Vincent Rotich for what he described as a “heroic and credible” performance in the just concluded Emurua Dikir parliamentary by-election in Narok County.
In a strongly worded statement issued after the poll, Gachagua said Rotich’s achievement of garnering 10,760 votes had significantly shaken the political landscape of the South Rift region, an area he claimed had for decades remained firmly under the control of the political establishment.
The DCP leader congratulated Rotich and his campaign team for mounting a spirited campaign against what he termed overwhelming political odds, saying the results marked the beginning of a new political awakening in the Rift Valley.
“This is no mean feat,” Gachagua said, adding that the by-election had demonstrated that Kenyans were increasingly embracing issue-based politics rather than ethnic or regional political alignments.
He particularly singled out women supporters who campaigned for the party during late hours and under difficult circumstances, describing their dedication as a symbol of hope for the country’s democratic future.
According to Gachagua, the performance by the DCP Party reflected the frustrations of ordinary Kenyans grappling with economic hardships, insecurity, poor healthcare, and limited educational opportunities.
The former Deputy President further claimed that the ruling administration had been forced into panic mode by the unexpected strength of the DCP campaign, alleging that state operatives engaged in last-minute voter bribery through local administrative structures including chiefs, village elders, and Nyumba Kumi officials.
Despite falling short of victory, Gachagua maintained that Rotich emerged as “the hero of the day,” insisting that the by-election had elevated the DCP Party into a major political player nationally and particularly within the Rift Valley region.
He said the party had now positioned itself as a credible alternative for leaders and citizens dissatisfied with the ruling political class.
“The DCP Party has made a heroic entry into Kenyan politics and is undoubtedly the most credible alternative vehicle to aspirants who cherish democracy and reject sycophancy,” he stated.
Gachagua also lauded the residents of Emurua Dikir for what he termed courage and independence in exercising their democratic rights without intimidation.
The DCP leader revealed that upon his return from an overseas trip in the United Kingdom, he would personally visit Emurua Dikir to thank supporters and campaigners who stood with the party during the contest.
He expressed confidence that Vincent Rotich would remain a formidable political force ahead of the 2027 General Election, declaring him “the candidate to beat” in the next parliamentary race scheduled for August 10, 2027.
