The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is facing a significant internal crisis and a public relations setback just weeks before crucial by-elections, following the dramatic resignation of a key official who blasted the party’s “systemic inefficiencies.”
Furaha Chengo Ngumbao, the party’s parliamentary aspirant for Magarini and a member of its powerful National Executive Council (NEC), announced his immediate exit from the party in a scathing letter that exposes deep-seated frustrations within the opposition outfit.
In the letter, addressed to the DCP leadership and copied to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ngumbao did not mince words, stating his decision was due to a “persistent lack of communication, disregard for grassroots concerns, and failure to provide clear directives.”
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but I can no longer continue in a role where my efforts are undermined by systemic inefficiencies and a lack of support from key party officials,” read part of the letter seen by news outlets.
Senior Leadership Accused of Sidelining Aspirants
Ngumbao directed his grievances squarely at the party’s top brass, specifically accusing the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Secretary-General of creating a hostile environment for candidates. He claimed aspirants are routinely sidelined and left to “navigate critical issues without guidance or institutional backing.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the “marginalisation of NEC members in key deliberations” as a major source of discontent, which he said compromised his ability to serve his supporters in Magarini effectively.
“The absence of timely feedback and opaque decision-making processes have eroded my confidence in the party’s ability to function effectively,” Ngumbao added, warning that these issues are weakening the DCP’s credibility ahead of the November by-elections and the 2027 General Elections.
Praise for Gachagua, But a Stark Warning
Despite his sharp criticisms of the party’s machinery, Ngumbao offered a nuanced view of its leader. He expressly acknowledged and praised Rigathi Gachagua for his “dedication and vision,” separating the party leader from the operational failures he described.
However, his resignation serves as a stark warning. He urged future leadership to prioritize “transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.”
“Our party’s success depends on the active engagement and trust of its members, and I fear that without meaningful reforms, we risk alienating the very people we aim to serve,” he stated.
Crisis Hits Amid Opposition Unity Maneuvers
The resignation comes at a delicate time for the DCP and the wider united opposition front. Just a day before Ngumbao’s exit became public, the DCP announced it was pulling out of contention in three upcoming by-elections, including Mbeere North, to support candidates from allied opposition parties like the Democratic Party (DP).
Gachagua framed that move as a strategic step to solidify opposition unity ahead of the 2027 polls. However, Ngumbao’s departure reveals the difficult balancing act these parties face: managing internal cohesion and candidate morale while negotiating the “acrid political waters” of coalition politics.
The incident raises serious questions about the DCP’s internal organizational strength and its capacity to manage talent and ambition, potentially threatening its base and its role within the opposition coalition as the country moves toward the next general election.
