Ex-DP Gachagua Appoints DCP Leaders Who Lost By-election to Lucrative Executive Positions

Former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has moved swiftly to reorganize his party’s leadership following a string of recent by-election losses.

In a strategic political recalibration, Gachagua appointed three candidates who were defeated at the ballot to influential positions within the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), signaling his intent to retain their loyalty and reinforce DCP’s grassroots network ahead of future political contests.

The first appointee is Stanley Kenga, who contested the Magarini parliamentary seat but lost to ODM’s Harrison Garama Kombe. 

Despite the defeat, Kenga has been elevated to a key NEC role, which places him at the center of DCP’s national strategy formulation.

His appointment is widely interpreted as an effort to maintain the party’s influence at the Coast, where political competition remains intense.

Gachagua also named Edgar Busiega, the party’s candidate for the Malava constituency by-election. Busiega had been positioning himself as a formidable challenger under the DCP banner but ultimately fell short.

With his new appointment, he is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the party’s presence in Kakamega County, a region that has proven challenging for emerging political outfits.

In addition, Simon Sonare, who vied for the Purko Ward MCA seat in Narok County but lost to United Democratic Party’s Mpusia Alex, has also been brought into the NEC.

His inclusion is expected to energize DCP’s mobilization efforts in the expansive Rift Valley region, where the party is seeking to carve out a loyal support base.

Gachagua’s latest appointments shows a deliberate political philosophy: election losses should not signal the end of political participation for committed party members.

Instead, he appears to be rewarding loyalty while keeping the party’s organizational machinery active and motivated. 

The move also counteracts the potential exodus of disgruntled candidates who might otherwise retreat from political engagement after defeat.

The appointments have sparked debate, with supporters praising the inclusivity and strategic foresight, while critics argue that the selection of losing candidates may not inspire confidence among undecided voters.

However, within DCP’s internal political circles, Gachagua’s message is unmistakable: commitment to the party will always be rewarded, win or lose.