Gachagua warns against Confusion in Ol Kalou as DCP prepares for campaigns

Ol Kalou, July 10, 2026, Democracy for Citizens Party, DCP, leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning ahead of upcoming political activities in Ol Kalou, telling political leaders to stay away from causing divisions in the constituency.

Speaking to supporters, Gachagua said he had received information that Kirinyaga Governor Irungu Kang’ata was planning to visit Ol Kalou to drum up support for a DCP candidate. The former Deputy President made it clear that such a move would not be welcome if the intention was to create rivalry or mix messages among voters.

“I have been told that Irungu Kang’ata intends to come to Ol Kalou to campaign for our DCP candidate,” Gachagua told the crowd. “If his mission is to campaign for UDA, then he is free to do so. But we will not accept confusion in Ol Kalou. _Usilete kiherehere Ol Kalou_.”

The remark, delivered in both English and Kiswahili, quickly drew applause from the audience and has since sparked conversation about the shifting political alliances in the Mt. Kenya region.

Ol Kalou has become a key battleground as parties position themselves ahead of by-elections and the 2027 general election cycle. DCP, which Gachagua now leads, has been working to consolidate support in Central Kenya after breaking away from the ruling coalition.

Reports that Governor Kang’ata, a prominent UDA figure, might campaign in the area for a DCP aspirant raised eyebrows within party circles. Gachagua’s response appeared aimed at drawing a clear line between DCP’s campaign strategy and any interference from rival parties.

By stating that Kang’ata could campaign for UDA “if he wants,” Gachagua signaled that DCP does not intend to share platforms or messaging with the ruling party in Ol Kalou. The phrase _“usilete kiherehere”_ — loosely translated as “don’t come causing drama” — underscored the tone of the warning.

Since launching DCP earlier this year, Gachagua has positioned the party as the primary alternative for voters in the Mt. Kenya region who feel sidelined by the current administration. The party has been recruiting candidates, holding grassroots meetings, and framing itself as the defender of “hustler” interests.

Ol Kalou is seen as a test case for that strategy. The constituency has a history of competitive races and a politically active base. For DCP, winning or performing strongly there would signal that the party can translate Gachagua’s influence into electoral gains without the backing of the ruling coalition.

Party officials say the focus now is on issue-based campaigns: cost of living, agriculture, youth employment, and business support. Gachagua has repeatedly told supporters that DCP will not engage in personal attacks but will instead highlight policy failures and offer alternatives.

The warning to Kang’ata fits into that broader message — that DCP wants to run a disciplined campaign free of outside interference or mixed signals.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata has not publicly responded to Gachagua’s remarks as of Thursday evening. As a key UDA mobilizer in the Mt. Kenya region, Kang’ata has been tasked with defending the government’s record and rallying support for UDA candidates.

UDA leaders have in recent weeks dismissed DCP as a “protest party” and argued that the ruling coalition remains the best vehicle for delivering development. They have also accused Gachagua of sowing division within the region.

Political analysts say the exchange reflects a deeper realignment in Mt. Kenya politics. For years, the region voted largely as a bloc. Now, with DCP and UDA competing for the same voters, every constituency visit and public statement is being closely watched for signs of who holds influence.

“Gachagua is trying to tell his base that DCP is in control of its own campaign,” said a Nairobi-based political commentator. “At the same time, he’s telling UDA leaders to keep off if they are not coming to support DCP candidates. It’s about territory and narrative.”

Ol Kalou, the capital of Nyandarua County, has often been a political weather vane for the wider region. It has a mix of urban traders, farmers, and youth — demographics that both DCP and UDA are targeting.

Whoever wins the messaging battle in Ol Kalou could gain momentum for the wider county and beyond. That is why Gachagua’s warning carried weight — it was as much about policy as it was about controlling the political space.

Beyond the warning to Kang’ata, Gachagua used the Ol Kalou engagement to rally DCP members. He urged them to remain united, avoid internal fights, and focus on selling the party’s agenda.

“We are building a party for the people,” he said. “We don’t want outsiders coming here to confuse our people. Let each party campaign for its own. Voters are smart. They will decide.”

He also reiterated that DCP is open to working with any leader who genuinely supports its candidates, but will not tolerate political “tourism” meant to disrupt.

The crowd responded with chants and songs, a sign that Gachagua still commands a strong following in parts of Central Kenya despite his fallout with the current government.

The Ol Kalou incident is likely a preview of how competitive politics will look in the next two years. With DCP seeking to establish itself and UDA defending its incumbency, constituencies across Mt. Kenya are expected to see frequent visits, rallies, and counter-rallies.

For voters, the challenge will be separating genuine development agendas from political theatrics. For parties, the challenge will be organizing without resorting to the kind of “confusion” Gachagua warned against.

Analysts expect more such confrontations as the election cycle heats up. The key difference this time, they note, is that the battle is no longer between government and opposition in the traditional sense. It is now between two camps that both claim to represent the same region.

As of now, DCP is moving ahead with plans to unveil its Ol Kalou candidate and roll out a campaign calendar. Party officials say they will focus on door-to-door engagement, town hall meetings, and policy forums rather than large, chaotic rallies.

County officials, meanwhile, are expected to ensure that all political activities comply with the law and do not disrupt public order.

Gachagua’s final words to the Ol Kalou crowd summed up the mood: “Come with ideas. Come with development. But don’t come to create confusion. Ol Kalou deserves better.”

With that, DCP has drawn its line in the sand — and Ol Kalou will be one of the first places where voters decide which side of that line they stand on.