Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has declared that his party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), will not issue direct nomination tickets to any aspirants, insisting that all candidates must compete through free, fair, and transparent party primaries.
Speaking on Sunday, January 4, 2025, during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, Gachagua said DCP intends to set a new standard in Kenyan politics by allowing party members to democratically choose their leaders.
“DCP will have free and fair nominations, and the election will end at the nominations,” Gachagua stated.
No special treatment for allies
The former deputy president made it clear that no aspirant will receive preferential treatment, including his close political allies. He singled out Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa to illustrate the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
Gachagua told the congregation that any DCP member interested in challenging Thang’wa would be free to do so during the party primaries.
“The young person who wants to challenge Karungo should challenge him. Even though this Karungo is my friend, you will go to the nominations. Karungo, there is no direct ticket. You will go to the nominations. Where is that young person who wants to challenge Karungo? Start campaigning and challenge this person. If you beat him, I will give you the ticket,” Gachagua said.
DCP positions itself as a democratic alternative
Gachagua said the Democracy for the Citizens Party aims to distinguish itself from other political parties by prioritizing credible nominations and empowering grassroots members to determine who flies the party’s flag in elections.
He argued that transparent primaries are essential to building a strong, credible political movement ahead of future elections and warned against backroom deals and political favoritism.
According to Gachagua, the party’s leadership unanimously agreed that nominations will be the final determinant of candidates, urging aspirants to focus on engaging voters rather than lobbying party officials for endorsements.
“I want to announce that there will be no direct nomination, no favouritism. It will be free and fair, and the election will end at the nominations. Haven’t we agreed that the election will end at the nominations?” he posed.
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