Gachagua Says DCP Growing Stronger in Rift Valley Despite Emurua Defeat

The Democratic Change Party (DCP) has described its performance in the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election as a significant step in expanding its influence in the Rift Valley, despite losing the seat to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In the vote held on 14 May, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared UDA candidate David Keter the winner with 18,266 votes. DCP’s Vincent Rotich finished second with 10,760 votes. Party leader Rigathi Gachagua said the result showed changing political loyalties in a region widely considered a UDA stronghold.

Gachagua, a former Deputy President, congratulated Rotich and the DCP campaign team for what he called a strong performance in the South Rift. He also praised women campaigners for their role in mobilising voters, saying their efforts reflected strong grassroots support.

The by-election followed the death of former MP Johanna Ng’eno in a helicopter crash earlier this year. Although UDA retained the seat, Gachagua said the number of votes won by DCP demonstrated the party’s growing support ahead of the 2027 General Election. He said the result showed that voters in Emurua Dikirr were willing to consider alternatives.

His remarks came as TIFA Research released new polling data indicating increased support for DCP across the country. According to the survey, support for the party rose from six per cent in November 2025 to 16 percent in May 2026.

The poll also showed declining support for both ODM and UDA since the 2022 elections. UDA’s support fell from 38 percent to 17 percent, while ODM dropped from 32 per cent to 18 per cent. TIFA analysts said the changes reflected shifting voter preferences and growing political uncertainty.

Gachagua said he plans to visit Emurua Dikirr after returning from the United Kingdom to thank supporters and campaign workers.