- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua dismissed Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi’s defection claims
- Gachagua explained why Koimburi decided not to join the Democracy of Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the 2027 poll
- Koimburi had issued a strongly worded statement accusing Gachagua of exploiting his supporters in the Mt. Kenya region
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi – Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has downplayed the defection of Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.
Source: Facebook
In a statement on Thursday, January 15, Gachagua rubbished Koimburi’s purported defection, stating that he was not a member of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)
Was Koimburi a DCP member?
“Let it be known that Hon. Koimburi has never been a member of the party and has never been involved in party activities. Indeed, despite having been an ally of the party leader, he has not accompanied him in any public function for the last six months while giving all manner of excuses,” DCP said.
Gachagua claimed Koimburi had been recruited by President William Ruto to spy on DCP operations in exchange for the government slowing down the prosecution of criminal cases facing the lawmaker.
“His colleagues have been apprehensive of his loyalty to the cause after information came through that he had been recruited by William Ruto to spy on our movements in exchange for slowing down prosecution of 15 criminal cases on land fraud, forgery of academic certificates and self-abduction,” the party said.
Koimburi allegedly became annoyed with Gachagua for allowing his main competitor in the 2022 election to join DCP ahead of 2027.
“Koimburi expressed his disbelief and annoyance that his competitor in the last general elections, one Hon. Aloise Kinyanjui had been allowed to join DCP. He was further aggrieved that the party leader had given the said Kinyanjui an opportunity to greet people at Kimbo junction in Juja Constituency on Sunday, January 11 in the evening,” the party said.
Why did George Koimburi rejoin William Ruto’s camp?
DCP secretary-general Hezron Obaga claimed Koimburi threatened to rejoin Ruto’s camp if he was not assured a direct nomination for the 2027 poll.
However, Gachagua declined Koimburi’s request; instead, he asked him to prepare for party nominations slated for March 2027, a move that annoyed the lawmaker.
“He demanded that Aloise Kinyanjui be removed from the party and he be given a written assurance that he shall be given a direct nomination. He threatened to move back to rejoin William Ruto if his conditions were not met. He, however, politely informed him his request for direct nomination could not be met, as DCP is a Democratic Party, and all those who intend to fly its flag for all positions would be determined in a free and fair party nominations. The Party Leader further informed Hon. Koimburi that much as he appreciated the support of all those who voted against his impeachment, it would be undemocratic to exempt them from party nominations, as that would effectively kill the party that is enjoying massive support,” Obaga stated.
Why did George Koimburi ditch Gachagua’s camp?
Source: Facebook
As reported earlier, the Juja MP claimed Gachagua’s faction is treacherous and does not mean well for Kenyans, especially those in Mt Kenya.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 14, after meeting former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Koimburi claimed Gachagua had turned DCP into a cash cow, rent‑seeking from political aspirants with promises of tickets in 2027.
The Juja MP also accused Gachagua of exploiting his supporters, exposing them to political hostility to advance his own bargaining power without concern for their well-being.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
