Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has lauded his party’s performance in the recently concluded Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, where the party’s candidate Vincent Rotich finished second.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, Gachagua congratulated Rotich for putting up a commendable showing despite not emerging victorious.
“Congratulations to the DCP candidate in the Emurua Dikkir by-election Hon. Vincent Rotich for the splendid performance that has shaken South Rift politics,” Gachagua said.
“Congratulations to the team of campaigners and most notably the women who campaigned for you at night and odd hours. Kenya remains hopeful and greatly indebted to you and greatest hope for a better future,” he added.
According to the former deputy president, the DCP’s ability to garner more than 10,000 votes in the Rift Valley, an area widely regarded as President Ruto’s stronghold, is no mean feat.
He stated that the DCP’s reception in Emurua Dikirr is an affirmation that the party is no longer a regional political outfit but a national movement that will represent Kenyans across the country.
“I am so excited that you (Rotich) and your team worked tirelessly and made DCP Party a key player in the Rift Valley politics, reflecting the Kenya’s focus for a united Nation that political parties do not represent perceptions of regional and parochial representation but a Kenya that is deprived of healthcare, education, security a bright future for its future generations,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua also acknowledged the DCP’s influence in the region, alleging that its candidate mounted a tightly fought race that compelled all major players to intensify last-minute mobilisation efforts ahead of polling day.
“DCP party celebrating one year tomorrow, stormed Mr. William Ruto’s perceived stronghold in style, gave him a run for his money and contemporaries forcing him to release millions of shillings of taxpayer money through a deprived pay slip last night through chiefs, village elders and Nyumba kumi for a night operation to bribe voters,” he alleged.
Rigathi Gachagua described DCP’s entry into Kenya’s political arena as significant, positioning itself as a credible alternative for aspirants who feel excluded from the political establishment.
He said the party is attracting support from individuals who value democratic principles and seek a platform outside the influence of entrenched political interests.
David Kipsang Keter of UDA Party was declared the winner of the Emurua Dikir by-election after garnering 18,266 votes. His closest rival, Vincent Kibet Rotich of the DCP, came second with 10,760 votes.
