Blow To Gachagua As Banisa DCP Candidate Withdraws From Race After State House Visit

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has suffered a significant political setback after its candidate for the Banisa constituency by-election withdrew from the race following a State House meeting.

Adan Mohamed Kiongozi, who had been unveiled by Gachagua as the DCP standard-bearer for the November 27 polls, announced his withdrawal after what he described as pressure from community elders and a meeting with President William Ruto at State House.

The withdrawal comes as a major blow to Gachagua’s nascent political party, which is gearing up for its first electoral test since its formation in May 2025.

The Banisa seat fell vacant following the death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan in a road accident on March 28, 2023.

Speaking exclusively to this writer, Mohamed said his decision was influenced by the Mandera Council of Elders, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, and ultimately President Ruto, who all prevailed upon him to step aside in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.

“I have listened to my community, which has asked me to shelve my ambition and wait for 2027. The council of elders, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and President William Ruto have all asked me to step down in favour of the UDA candidate,” Mohamed explained.

The former ODM politician, who garnered 7,775 votes in the 2022 elections while the late Kullow emerged victorious with 13,656 votes, maintained that his decision was based on community interests rather than financial inducements.

“I have heard reports that I was bribed Sh100 million. I am asking anyone who can get to President William Ruto to ask the same for me because I need it. I was given nothing and my decision is basically over community interest,” he stated categorically.

UDA’s candidate for the by-election is Ahmed Maalim Hassan, alias Barre, who is the brother of the late MP.

Hassan was initially the United Democratic Movement (UDM) candidate before being acquired by UDA, led by Senator Ali Roba.

Mohamed revealed that he was taken to State House last week by Governor Khalif, where they met President Ruto.

“The President only asked me to step down and promised to support me in the 2027 plan. He promised to ensure my political future remains bright,” he disclosed.

The withdrawal has prompted accusations from DCP leadership that the State House is engaging in underhand tactics to pressure their candidates across various constituencies.

Secretary-General Hezron Obaga claimed that candidates withdrawing from upcoming by-elections are allegedly receiving between Sh10-15 million from “the house on the hill.”

“Our candidates everywhere are under immense pressure to withdraw from upcoming by-elections and if our Banisa candidate has dropped, that confirms the situation,” Obaga said.

“What is happening at the State House confirms that the DCP is a strong party.”

However, Mohamed denied receiving any money, stating that his decision was purely based on respect for community wishes and showing sympathy to the family of the late MP.

The former DCP candidate also revealed insights about the political dynamics in the North Eastern region, claiming that the opposition’s “Wantam” gospel is not resonating with voters in Mandera and the broader region.

“I have realised that what the opposition is pushing in the name of Wantam is not selling in Mandera. Everyone is supporting the President and the Mandera governor for a second term,” he observed.

Mohamed had initially chosen DCP after his former party ODM entered into an agreement with UDA to support each other in their respective strongholds ahead of the by-elections.

With Mohamed’s exit, the Banisa race now features UDA’s Ahmed Maalim Hassan Barre, Nurdin Adan Enow (alias Dalato) who recently moved from Jubilee to United Progressive Party, and Issack Malele of the People Progressive Party.

Both Malele and Dalato have confirmed they will remain in the race until the end.

The development represents a significant test for Gachagua’s political influence and the viability of DCP as it prepares for what many see as a dry run for the 2027 general elections.

The party had positioned the Banisa by-election as one of its key battlegrounds alongside contests in Magarini, Malava, and Kasipul constituencies.

Governor Khalif, who played a key role in Mohamed’s withdrawal, confirmed that the community had overwhelmingly expressed support for the UDA aspirant during extensive campaigns across all villages in the constituency.

The Banisa constituency, with its complex clan dynamics and community leadership structures, appears to have prioritized unity and continuity by supporting the late MP’s brother, effectively sidelining external political party interests.

For Gachagua, who was impeached as Deputy President and has since formed DCP to challenge President Ruto’s administration, the Banisa withdrawal signals early challenges in his quest to build a formidable opposition movement ahead of 2027.

The IEBC has set October 2, 2025, as the deadline for political parties to submit their final lists of candidates for the November 27 by-elections across 22 positions countrywide.