Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asserted that President William Ruto's claim over the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is limited to a mere "shell," as the party’s core leadership and support base have moved to the Linda Mwananchi faction.

Speaking in Kajiado County on August 12, 2026, Gachagua argued that ODM had lost its original identity following a political realignment where some leaders allied with the Ruto administration.

Shifting Allegiances within ODM

Gachagua highlighted that prominent opposition figures such as Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo represent the ODM faction that retained the party’s foundational support. In contrast, the ODM faction associated with Ruto is a diminished entity.

“The ODM that Ruto bought is just a shell. The real ODM went with Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Orengo. The ODM with signatures is the one I am with,” Gachagua stated.

He also pointed to the presence of ODM elected officials from Narok and Kajiado counties at his political events as evidence of growing defections to his party.

Defections Boost DCP in Kajiado

Just days before his remarks, Gachagua welcomed 10 leaders from various parties in Kajiado County who defected to the DCP. Among them were key ODM officials including Kajiado County Assembly Minority Leader Isaac Kiresian and MCAs Joseph Torris and Edward Lemomo.

  • Caroline Ndeti, a nominated MCA from Jubilee, also joined DCP.
  • UDA defectors included Titus Matheka, John Maina Mutiga, Nais Naisiae Karia, Marush Kisemei, and Mbiriri Mwaura.
  • Peter Tirishe, an aspirant for Mosiro Ward, left ODM to join the party.

Gachagua described these defections as a significant step toward achieving full DCP dominance in Kajiado, stating, “The journey to 100% DCP in Kajiado is almost complete.”

He emphasized that the MCAs embody grassroots political sentiment and did not require instruction to gauge public mood, asserting, “I never asked the MCAs to listen to the ground; they are the ground themselves. They have told me that the ground is green.”

As the 2027 general elections approach, Gachagua continues to expand his party’s grassroots presence, positioning DCP as a growing political force in the region.