Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua /HANDOUT

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans to establish two Wamunyoro annexes in Nakuru and Meru counties as he steps up efforts to consolidate his political support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua said the two counties were strategically important to his political ambitions because of their large voter populations, adding that he intended to spend more time campaigning in areas with significant voting numbers.

Speaking on Wednesday at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County while addressing a delegation from Gilgil Constituency in Nakuru, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he had identified Nakuru as a critical battleground in the next election.

“Currently, Nakuru County has 1.3 million votes. That figure might reach 1.5 million votes by the close of mass voter registration in January.”

“It is county number three in terms of votes. Number one is Nairobi, number two Kiambu, Nakuru number three. So, Nakuru is very important,” he said.

The former Deputy President said he would establish a Wamunyoro Annex in Nakuru to bring his political operations closer to the county's electorate, which he considers crucial to determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.

“So, I am going to spend a lot of time in Nakuru. I have planned to open Wamunyoro Annex in Nakuru. Let me come near where the votes are. Let me stay near the 1.4 million votes.”

He also announced plans to establish a similar facility in Meru, signalling his intention to strengthen his political networks beyond his traditional Mt Kenya strongholds.

“I will open Wamunyoro Annex in Nakuru and in Meru. I don’t play around. Sometimes, some people look down upon me. I know politics. I am a political scientist. I have been involved in every succession since the transition from single-partyism to multi-partyism. Politics is a game of numbers. You go to where numbers are,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua expressed confidence in his political standing in several counties, claiming to enjoy considerable support in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru and Meru.

“I am firmly in Nairobi. I have more than half of that city. Kiambu, 100 percent. Nakuru, 90 per cent; Meru 100 per cent. Kakamega: we shall join hands with Sifuna [Edwin] and [Eugene] Wamalwa, we agree.”

He said his strategy would focus on counties with substantial voter populations, arguing that successful political mobilisation required concentrating resources and time where electoral numbers were highest.

“We are in a very strong position. Therefore, I want to take a lot of time working on counties that have huge numbers, because that is politics. That is being strategic.”

The planned annexes would extend the political footprint of Wamunyoro, Gachagua's Nyeri base, which has become a focal point for opposition leaders, political delegations and supporters since his removal from office in October 2024.