The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has pulled out of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election and thrown its weight behind the Democratic Party (DP) candidate in the November 27 polls.

Speaking at the party headquarters on Wednesday, party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua explained that the move seeks to strengthen ties with like-minded partners in the United Opposition as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.

“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” Gachagua said.

He praised DP leader Justin Muturi, describing him as a seasoned figure whose leadership makes him well-placed to deliver victory in the constituency.

“This decision has also been informed by the recognition that the Hon Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, is a great leader from that region with enhanced capacity and undoubted leadership qualities to lead the Democratic Party into winning the seat,” he added.

The Mbeere North parliamentary seat became vacant after President William Ruto appointed incumbent MP Geoffrey Ruku to the Cabinet on March 26, 2025, where he now heads the Public Service and Human Capital Development docket.

DCP’s withdrawal from the race comes just days after its candidate, Duncan Mbui, ditched the party to contest as an independent.

Mbui accused DCP of sabotaging his political ambition.

“I have been watching with a keen eye the goings-on at the DCP party and have come to the conclusion that it is a members’ club within the so-called United Opposition,” he wrote in a statement.

“The club has been influenced to decide that DCP should not field a candidate in Mbeere North, a decision I view as a deliberate attempt to kill my ambition.”

At the same time, Rigathi Gachagua announced that DCP would also back the Wiper Party candidate in Muguuni ward, Machakos, and the DAP-K candidate in Kapchai/Chwele ward, Bungoma.

He clarified, however, that the consensus to support candidates from DP, Wiper, and DAP-K applies only to upcoming by-elections.

Looking ahead to 2027, Gachagua said DCP intends to compete across the board.

“For all other elective positions, DCP shall field and mobilise fully to campaign, popularise and seek votes under our party ticket,” Gachagua said.

He added that the party will present candidates for every elective seat- from the presidency, governors, and senators in all 47 counties to MPs in 290 constituencies and MCAs in all 1,450 wards.

Elsewhere, Opposition-allied lawyer Ndegwa Njiru linked the Mbeere North by-election politics to the larger presidential race expected in 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday, Njiru argued that the unity shown by opposition parties in rallying behind a single candidate in Mbeere North could set the stage for a similar pact against President William Ruto in the general election.

He stressed that the decision carried weight beyond a constituency contest, framing it as a signal of the broader strategy that could reshape national politics.

“If the United Opposition has agreed on a single candidate for Mbeere North By-Election, we shall equally agree on a single presidential candidate to face Kasongo,” Njiru stated.

The lawyer cautioned that the stakes in the coming political battles are too high for infighting or competition within the opposition, warning that divisions could undermine the movement’s ability to defend democracy.

“The risk of losing the Wantam mission for Kasongo is too high to gamble,” Njiru remarked.