Gachagua party to field candidates for all 22 mini-polls

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has officially unveiled its candidates for several upcoming by-elections, expressing confidence in a decisive win once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announces the election dates.

Speaking at the DCP Party Headquarters during the candidate unveiling, Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala affirmed that the party, which is led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has fielded candidates for all the 22 by-elections.

He also noted that their aspirants are already actively engaging with constituents and hitting the ground running.

Malala emphasised that the party will conduct transparent nominations in areas with multiple aspirants to select the best candidates as he assured supporters that these nominations will be free and fair, urging constituents from the affected areas to support DCP candidates wholeheartedly.

On the matter of election dates, Malala raised concerns with IEBC, highlighting that the commission has yet to announce specific dates for the upcoming by-elections.

He alleged that there are efforts by the government to delay the elections, asserting that the delay might be a tactic because UDA is not yet fully prepared.

Malala called on IEBC not to succumb to government pressure or intimidation, urging the electoral body to remain independent and impartial.

Both candidates and the party leadership reiterated their readiness and urged IEBC to announce the dates promptly.

Regarding rumors surrounding the Banisa constituency by-election, Malala clarified that the government is allegedly attempting to compromise DCP candidates, but has assured that their candidates are not for sale.

He dismissed the speculation that Aden Mohammed, also known as Kiongozi, had withdrawn from the race, describing such claims as fake news.

The candidate for Banisa also publicly denied any withdrawal from the race, reaffirming their commitment to contest in the upcoming by-election.