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

Former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua has been dealt a big blow after his personal assistant joined Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Embakasi West MP George Theuri officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Tuesday, September 29, after leaving Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo brought him into the party, and ODM said he had pledged his support and allegiance to the movement and the broad-based government.

The party welcomed him with the line that in ODM dreams come true.

Theuri served as Embakasi West MP from 2013 to 2022.

He lost his seat that year after contesting on a UDA ticket, and Jubilee’s Mark Mwenje won.

Gachagua, who was then Deputy President, later appointed him as his personal assistant, a job he held until this latest move.

Reports had circulated since the start of the year that Theuri had parted ways with Gachagua, although he had not been linked officially to the broad-based government.

That changed in September, when he publicly announced his exit from Gachagua’s political camp and shifted his loyalty to President William Ruto.

He blamed what he called non-participatory leadership and a lack of tolerance for different ideas.Theuri is now said to be eyeing a return to his old parliamentary seat, and reports indicate he has already begun quiet campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.

His switch adds to a wave of political realignments as parties position themselves for the polls.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and his Murang’a counterpart, Irungu Kang’ata, have joined DCP.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro left UDA and aligned with the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK).

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders have left ODM to form the Linda Mwananchi Movement.For Gachagua, losing a long-time aide is a setback both politically and symbolically, since Theuri was once part of his inner circle.

Analysts say such defections can shape perceptions of a party’s strength as the race for 2027 heats up.

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

ProfAmor [email protected]