The Democratic Congress Party is holding a retreat in Kilifi this weekend amid a wave of defections from its ranks. Party leader Rigathi Gachagua will rally MPs and other officials to discuss nominations, membership drives and strategies for the future. The event comes as Gachagua admitted that only 21 MPs remain firmly aligned with him. It follows recent exits that have shaken the young party.
The retreat starts Friday and runs through Sunday at a coastal hotel. Around 20 MPs are expected, along with governors and elders from Mount Kenya and other areas. Gachagua plans to address internal unity and push for more recruits.
He wants to expand the party beyond its Central Kenya base. Sources say talks will cover direct nominations for loyal members in 2027. That could help avoid primaries where defectors might cause trouble.
Defections have hit DCP hard lately. Juja MP George Koimburi announced his exit on January 15. He said Gachagua betrayed him by entertaining rivals like Aloise Kinyanjui. Koimburi claimed he stood by Gachagua during tough times but got sidelined.
He now backs President Ruto again. DCP fired back fast. They said Koimburi was never a full member and might have spied for Ruto. The party claimed he faced criminal cases slowed in exchange for info. Koimburi denied that and said he left on his own.
Gachagua visited Koimburi earlier this week. The MP recovers from an abduction last month where he was tortured and dumped in a coffee farm. Gachagua called it a horrifying ordeal. The visit showed no hard feelings yet, but the defection statement came soon after.
DCP said Koimburi asked for a meeting on January 12. He expressed frustration over Kinyanjui joining and getting airtime at events. Gachagua offered him a spot at the Kilifi retreat, but Koimburi bolted instead.
Other defections add to the pressure. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba accused Gachagua of intimidation after she left DCP last week. She said party goons harassed her for speaking out. Wamuchomba now aligns with Ruto too. DCP denies any role in threats.
These exits shrink Gachagua’s base. He started DCP after his 2024 impeachment as deputy president. The party drew from Mount Kenya discontent but struggles to hold members.
Gachagua remains upbeat. He plans continental tours in 2026 to reach the diaspora. He hosted DCP’s diaspora chapter at his home last month. They discussed opening satellite offices abroad.
That could bring new members and funds. In Kenya, he pushes issues like fair school placements. He called for merit-based admissions to national schools, saying quotas hurt bright kids.
The Kilifi retreat tests Gachagua’s grip. With only 21 loyal MPs, he needs to stop more losses. Discussions will likely cover loyalty pledges and benefits for staying. Some insiders say he might name a running mate early to rally support. Others worry about funding without government ties.
DCP was formed to challenge Ruto but faces tough odds. Defectors cite betrayal and lack of direction. Gachagua blames spies and outside pressure. The party denies internal rifts, but actions show otherwise.
Kenyan politics heats up early for 2027. Gachagua’s group could sway Mount Kenya votes. If defections continue, his influence shrinks. The retreat might stem the flow or highlight problems. This retreat comes at a key moment for DCP. Gachagua rallies what’s left. The next days could shape the party’s path.
