The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has pulled out of contention in three upcoming by-elections, instead choosing to support aspirants from allied opposition parties.
The announcement follows a high-level National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi, DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua announced on Wednesday, September 10.
Gachagua said the move was in line with the party's commitment to opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The NEC resolved to support the Democratic Party (DP) in the Mbeere North Constituency by-election, with Gachagua acknowledging that the seat had previously been held by the party.
Similarly, DCP pledged to support the Wiper candidate in the Muumbuni Ward by-election. Finally, the party pledged to support a DAP-K candidate in the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County.
“For the sake of unity, we are making deliberate choices in areas previously held by our partners. This is not a sign of weakness but a commitment to the bigger picture,” Gachagua said during a presser after the meeting.
Despite paving the way for other opposition allies, Gachagua made it clear that his DCP vehicle would field candidates in other elective positions across the country and would mobilise the party's supporters and resources to campaign under the DCP banner.
The NEC also announced the establishment of a fully equipped Electoral Secretariat. which will be based at the party headquarters. The secretariat will be tasked with coordinating campaign strategy, messaging, logistics, branding and fundraising efforts.
Ahead of the by-elections, DCP also revealed that two key internal organs, the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC) have been enhanced to oversee internal nominations and handle any disputes which may arise.
Incidentally, DCP's withdrawal from the Mbeere North race came just days after candidate Duncan Mbui ditched the party to contest for the seat as an independent candidate.
Mbui shared a statement on September 6 where he accused DCP of being influenced by other allies in opposition.
Meanwhile, ahead of the November 27 by-elections , the IEBC recently issued fresh guidelines, including the window to conduct campaigns. Campaigns will strictly run from 7am to 6pm daily, starting from Wednesday, October 8.
Kenyans seeking to contest the mini-elections as independent candidates will be required to obtain and submit a clearance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties. The certificate must confirm that they have not been members of any political party for at least three months before the by-election date.
