Wangui Ngirici joins DCP after partying ways with Ruto

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Kirinyaga businesswoman and politician Purity Wangui Ngirici officially joined Democracy for the Citizens Party led by Rigathi Gachagua on August 23

- Ngirici's entry into DCP sets up a direct collision with Senator James Kamau Murango, who is also eyeing the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat

- Ngirici had previously served as Kenya Seed Company board chairperson before her removal in May 2026, which reignited her political activity

Kirinyaga politician and businesswoman Purity Wangui Ngirici has formally joined the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), the outfit led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a move that dramatically reshapes the gubernatorial contest in Kirinyaga County.

Ngirici's Political Journey

Ngirici is no stranger to Kirinyaga's political landscape. She served as the county's Woman Representative between 2017 and 2022, and in the subsequent general election contested the governorship as an independent candidate, finishing second behind Anne Waiguru, who ran on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Her independent bid was the culmination of a bitter fallout with UDA. Ngirici had been a committed party member and a close ally of President William Ruto, then serving as Deputy President, but her gubernatorial ambitions were effectively sidelined when Waiguru crossed over from the Jubilee Party and became UDA's preferred candidate in Kirinyaga.

Feeling betrayed, Ngirici stripped her vehicles, offices, and social media profiles of all UDA branding and publicly accused Ruto of letting her down. Ruto's attempts to convince her to step aside and allow Waiguru to complete her final term made no impression on her.

After Ruto won the presidency, the two sides reached an accommodation of sorts, and Ngirici was appointed Chairperson of the Kenya Seed Company board in July 2023.

That arrangement came to an abrupt end in May 2026, when she was removed from the role amid allegations that she was undermining the ruling party. Following her ouster, Ngirici grew increasingly vocal in public forums, regularly challenging government positions and signalling a return to active politics.

Kirinyaga Race Gets Complicated

Ngirici's arrival in DCP creates an immediate complication for the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Senator James Kamau Murango, widely regarded as one of Gachagua's most loyal defenders, is also positioning himself for the Kirinyaga governorship, meaning the two candidates will have to settle the question within the same party.

Gachagua has pledged that DCP will conduct free and fair nominations, with party primaries determining which candidates proceed to the general election.

Political analysts, however, caution that the credibility of those primaries will be decisive for the party's cohesion. Should aspirants feel the process is rigged or opaque, defections to rival parties are widely anticipated.

Among the alternatives already being identified are the People's Party, recently launched by Ndindi Nyoro, and the Jubilee Party, which remains under the stewardship of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Both outfits are seen as potential destinations for DCP members who feel shut out during the nominations period.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.