Big Blow to Gachagua as His Close Ally Joins Ruto’s Camp Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Embakasi West MP George Theuri has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after leaving the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), marking another political realignment ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

Theuri was formally received into ODM on Tuesday, September 29, by the party’s Secretary-General, Catherine Omanyo. According to ODM, the former lawmaker pledged his support and allegiance to the party and the broad-based government.

Theuri represented Embakasi West in Parliament between 2013 and 2022. He contested the seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in the 2022 election but was defeated by Jubilee candidate Mark Mwenje.

After losing his parliamentary seat, Theuri was appointed as personal assistant to then-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He remained associated with Gachagua until his recent decision to leave the DCP and join ODM.

Reports had emerged earlier in 2026 suggesting that Theuri had separated from Gachagua’s political camp, although there was initially no formal announcement linking him to the broad-based government. In September, however, Theuri publicly confirmed his departure and announced that he was shifting his political allegiance toward President William Ruto.

Theuri reportedly cited concerns over what he described as a lack of participatory leadership and limited tolerance for alternative views as some of the reasons behind his decision to leave Gachagua’s camp.

His return to ODM comes as political parties continue to reorganise and recruit leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. The former MP is also reportedly considering another attempt to reclaim the Embakasi West parliamentary seat.

The move adds to the series of political changes taking place across Kenya as different parties and leaders position themselves for the next election. DCP, for instance, has been pursuing its own political arrangements while also holding discussions with other opposition groups, including the Linda Mwananchi Movement.

Theuri’s departure also highlights the fluid nature of political alliances ahead of the 2027 polls, with politicians moving between parties and realigning themselves based on changing political circumstances.

For Theuri, the latest move marks a return to ODM after several years away from the party and could shape his political plans as he considers another bid for the parliamentary seat he previously held.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/127449-former-embakasi-west-mp-george-theuri-joins-odm-after-leaving-dcp