Kirinyaga DCP divisions deepen as rival camps trade goonism, gatekeeping claims

Political tensions are mounting within the Democratic Change Party (DCP) in Kirinyaga County as rival factions engage in a fierce battle over political gatekeeping and accusations of goonism. The conflict intensified following a visit by party leader Rigathi Gachagua to the region on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accused gubernatorial aspirant Wangui Ngirici of using youths to disrupt her meetings.

This accusation sparked a counterattack from some DCP members and aspirants who accused Maina of unfairly branding Kirinyaga residents as violent individuals.

Njeri Mbogo, a parliamentary aspirant from Gichugu, urged the DCP leadership to refrain from labeling Kirinyaga residents as goons, emphasizing the county's history of active political participation. She argued that political disagreements should not be used to stereotype the county's people as violent. Mbogo highlighted that confrontations at recent DCP meetings in Kiriangana, Ndia, and Kiangombe demonstrated deeper issues within the party, specifically pointing to political gatekeeping and unequal access to party resources.

Mbogo alleged that some aspirants were being denied opportunities to speak to voters during community engagements unless they paid significant fees, often as high as Ksh50,000. This financial barrier could potentially exclude grassroots politicians who have contributed to the party's growth, she warned. Mbogo defended Ngirici's right to address residents during political meetings, stating that denying her access was unjustified.

She also questioned the party's leadership for potentially favoring certain candidates ahead of the nomination process, warning that such actions could fracture the party and create resentment before the 2027 elections.

The aspirant criticized Kirinyaga's Woman Representative Njeri Maina for engaging in political attacks rather than supporting fellow women seeking leadership roles. Mbogo urged Maina to focus on her responsibilities to her constituents in Kirinyaga, rather than campaigning outside the county. She also criticized Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango for failing to fulfill his oversight duties effectively.