Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has downplayed a significant electoral loss in Mbeere North, reframing the defeat as a strategic pivot towards consolidating his political power in Nairobi. The move signals a major shift in focus for his seven-month-old Democratic Congress Party (DCP) and sets the stage for a new political battleground in the capital.

This declaration comes just days after the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Muthende, clinched the Mbeere North parliamentary seat with 15,802 votes. Muthende narrowly defeated Newton Kariuki of the Democratic Party (DP), who was backed by Gachagua and garnered 15,308 votes—a slim margin of just 494 votes.

A Setback in the Mountain

The Mbeere North by-election was widely seen as a litmus test for Gachagua's influence in his traditional Mt. Kenya backyard. The victory for UDA is being interpreted by many as a win for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who actively campaigned for Muthende and is seen as cementing his own influence in the region. Critics, including Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, framed the result as a rejection of what they called Gachagua's "divisive politics."

In response, Gachagua sought to distance his party from the loss. Speaking at a thanksgiving event in Kariobangi North on Sunday, he noted that the candidate he supported was from the DP party, not his own. "Don't be bothered by what happened in Mbeere North. DCP didn't have a candidate there," Gachagua stated, emphasizing that he was merely assisting an opposition partner.

The Nairobi Gambit

Instead of dwelling on the loss, Gachagua quickly shifted the narrative to his party's successes and future ambitions, zeroing in on the nation's capital. He celebrated recent DCP victories in several ward by-elections, including Kariobangi North, Narok Town, and Kisa East, as proof of the party's growing national appeal. "We are now a proven testament that we are a competitive national party," one party official noted.

Gachagua unveiled an ambitious strategy for Nairobi in the 2027 general election, revealing an agreement with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. According to Gachagua, the deal will see the DCP field candidates for the capital's top three seats:

• Governor
• Senator
• Woman Representative

This alliance, he claimed, aims to secure at least 16 of the 17 parliamentary seats in Nairobi for their coalition. "DCP is the party for Nairobi. And this is the beginning of our politics here," he declared to supporters.

What This Means for Kenyans

For Nairobi residents, Gachagua's pivot could mean a period of intensified political activity. The focus of a major political party on the capital could translate into more robust debates on urban issues like housing, transport, and employment. However, it also raises the prospect of heightened political rivalry, which could impact service delivery if it leads to gridlock between county and national government players.

Analysts remain divided on whether this is a strategic masterstroke or a forced retreat. While the Mbeere North loss undeniably dents Gachagua's claim as the undisputed kingpin of Mt. Kenya politics, his focus on Nairobi—a cosmopolitan and vote-rich battleground—could offer his new party a path to national relevance. As the 2027 elections draw closer, Gachagua's Nairobi strategy will be a critical storyline to watch, determining whether this pivot is a political lifeline or a gamble that fails to pay off.