The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has refuted claims circulating online that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has founded a political party.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the ORPP flagged a fake notice making rounds on social media, which alleged the registration of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) with Gachagua, Cleophas Malala, and Gathoni Wamuchomba listed as founding members.
The ORPP clarified that its official notices are published through credible platforms, including MyGov, a government weekly newspaper. To counter the misinformation, the office juxtaposed the fabricated notice with its authentic communication from Tuesday, which outlined details of three unrelated political parties under provisional registration.
Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu affirmed that none of the three parties in the registration process had any connection to Gachagua. These parties are the Forum for Economic Development Agenda (FEDA), Kenya United Generation Party (KUG), and The Future Party (TFP).
“In line with Section 5 (2) (a) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the Registrar of Political Parties is in the process of provisionally registering the proposed political parties,” read the ORPP’s statement.
The clarification follows recent political developments where Gachagua hinted at forming alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Mbooni Constituency, Makueni County, on Wednesday, the former Deputy President expressed interest in collaborating with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in a bid for the presidency.
Gachagua praised Kalonzo for his principled stance against the Kenya Kwanza government and acknowledged a political debt stemming from Kalonzo’s support for former President Mwai Kibaki during the 2002 elections.
“There is a favour I owe Kalonzo Musyoka for what he did in 2002. I will explore ways of working with him ahead of 2027,” Gachagua stated.
Speculations have been rife about Gachagua forming his own political outfit to steer Mount Kenya residents in a new political direction. Critics and allies alike have faulted his earlier decision to forgo creating a personal party, choosing instead to back President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Following his impeachment and subsequent suspension from his role as UDA’s deputy party chair, Gachagua’s political future has been a subject of debate. Despite the suspension, UDA maintained that Gachagua remains a member of the party.
