Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has taken a veiled jab at Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua after two of his candidates withdrew from the upcoming by-elections.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Duale stated that the former Deputy President needs to think hard about his politics after the party’s candidates in Banisa and Magarini recently threw in the towel.
“It’s why their candidates are dropping from Banisa to Magarini, and if you are a serious politician and notice the rate at which your candidates are dropping, you must ask yourself what is going on,” he stated in a passing remark about the politics ahead of the November by-elections.
His remarks come after Gachagua’s party suffered another setback in its bid to clinch seats in the upcoming by-elections.
Furaha Chengo, the party’s candidate in Magarini minipolls, confirmed his resignation from the party, citing frustrations with key party officials.
In a letter on Monday, September 29, 2025, Chengo, who is a member of the National Executive Committee, cited unfavourable experience with the party’s National Elections Board (NEB).
“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as a National Executive Committee (NEC) member, effective immediately. This decision has not been taken lightly, but I can no longer continue in a role where my efforts are undermined by systemic inefficiencies and a lack of support from key party officials,” part of his statement read.
“The persistent lack of communication, disregard for grassroots concerns, and failure to provide clear directives have created an environment where aspirants like myself are left to navigate critical issues without guidance or support,” he explained.
Chengo’s withdrawal came after another of the party’s aspirants in the Banisa by-election, Aden Mohammed, withdrew from the parliamentary contest.
Earlier, Mbeere North Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Duncan Mbui had ditched the party and opted to go as an independent candidate.
In a statement on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Mbui explained that his decision had been influenced by constituent parties within the United Opposition not to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election and leave it to the Justin Muturi-led DP party, a decision which, according to him, is meant to kill his political ambition.
