Thuo Mathenge Ready to Merge TND with Gachagua’s DCP

The New Democrats (TND) Party leader and Kenya Association of Real Estate Leaders (KARL) chairman, Thuo Mathenge, has declared his support for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his party is prepared to merge with or dissolve into the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in an interview, Mathenge described Gachagua as the most influential political figure in the Mt. Kenya region, arguing that regional unity should take precedence over individual party interests.

“As things stand today, Rigathi Gachagua is the most popular political leader in the Mt. Kenya region. Our priority is to unite the region, and if that means dissolving TND or forming a coalition with DCP, we are ready because unity is bigger than individual parties,” Mathenge said.

He revealed that TND has resolved to pursue either a formal coalition or a complete merger with DCP, saying a united political movement would strengthen Mt. Kenya’s bargaining position ahead of the next General Election.

“If dissolving TND or joining Gachagua helps consolidate the region’s unity, I am ready and nothing will stop us. We will support him, including in his 2027 presidential bid,” he added.

Mathenge also confirmed he will once again vie for the Nyeri governorship in 2027 after unsuccessfully contesting the seat on a TND ticket in the 2022 General Election, where he lost to incumbent Governor Mutahi Kahiga.

His endorsement adds to the growing political momentum around Gachagua, whose DCP has gained traction following its victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. The outcome has reinforced Gachagua’s campaign to position DCP as the dominant political vehicle in the Mt. Kenya region.

In recent months, Gachagua has stepped up consultations from his Wamunyoro political base, urging leaders and residents to rally behind a single political party to enhance the region’s influence in national politics.

During a television interview on Wednesday, Gachagua maintained that President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would struggle to win elective seats in Mt. Kenya in the 2027 elections.

“Next year, you look for me in September. UDA will not get a single seat in the Mountain. Not an MCA, not a Member of Parliament, not a Woman Representative, not a Senator, not a Governor, not President. You can take that to the bank,” Gachagua said.