Why Moses Kuria poses fresh headache for Gachagua

Kuria, who currently serves as President William Ruto’s senior economic advisor, has hinted that his CCK outfit will participate in the upcoming by-elections across the country.

Kuria’s declaration could disrupt Gachagua’s push for a unified political front in the Mount Kenya region, as he prepares to unveil his new political party on May 15, 2025.

Gachagua has been advocating for a single political party for the Mount Kenya region, purportedly to consolidate its bargaining power and political influence at the national level.

The former Deputy President has settled on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as his new political vehicle, marking a significant step in his standoff with President Ruto.

However, ahead of DCP’s launch, Kuria fired a warning shot, stating that his CCK party will make a strong comeback in the upcoming by-elections as a “test run” for 2027.

“As we prepare to swear in the new IEBC, this party, which was founded on August 17, 2021, is the party to watch. By-elections looming. Battle Royale,” Kuria posted on his X account on May 11, 2025.

Kuria’s latest move comes three years after the CCK party wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties seeking to merge with the ruling party in October 2022.

“Chama Cha Kazi would like to issue notice to all members, pursuant to and in accordance with Article 10.0.1 (b) of the Chama Cha Kazi Constitution, of the decision to merge with the United Democratic Alliance. Members are invited to file their submissions supporting or opposing the merger with the Secretary General within 21 days hereof,” the notice read.

The former Cabinet Secretary’s post is being interpreted as an attempt to preempt a political showdown in the Mount Kenya region between CCK and Gachagua’s DCP.

Kuria’s CCK is positioning itself as an alternative political vehicle for those in the region who oppose Gachagua’s one-party agenda.

The resurgence of smaller parties is now seen as Gachagua’s biggest political headache, even as he attempts to position DCP as the region’s dominant movement against President Ruto.

Beyond CCK, the Jubilee Party also presents a major challenge to Gachagua’s efforts to lock the region into DCP in a bid to secure majorities in Parliament and county assemblies in 2027.

Signalling deeper trouble, several politicians affiliated with the former ruling Jubilee Party—closely associated with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta—have broken ranks with Gachagua.

Notably, Gachagua’s former political advisor and ex-Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has publicly parted ways with him, accusing the former DP of trying to impose party dictatorship in the Mt Kenya region.

Wambugu now calls for the region to uphold political independence, reject authoritarianism, and embrace issue-based leadership.

"My ideological difference with Gachagua arose from his strong push to form a single political party to dominate the Mt Kenya region. I was uncomfortable with this approach, as it implied dissolving existing parties—particularly Jubilee, a party I had been a committed member of for nine years," Wambugu said in a recent interview.

He defended the continued existence of historic political parties in the region, such as the Democratic Party (DP), Party of National Unity (PNU), and Jubilee, noting their key role in previous presidential victories.

According to Wambugu, Mt Kenya must not allow itself to become a one-party region or adopt a political culture similar to ODM’s, where "Raila is the law and the law is Raila."

“Mt Kenya is too independent for that. We must allow a diversity of voices and avoid being dictated by one party or one leader.”

“What many people fail to understand is that having multiple political parties in a region strengthens voter mobilisation and turnout. It ensures broader representation and inclusivity. When there’s only one dominant party, internal fallout often leads to voter apathy, as those who feel excluded may choose not to participate in the election,” he added.

It remains unclear how Gachagua will align with former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who is also promoting his Democratic Party (DP) as part of the emerging opposition alliance.