In a statement released on Wednesday, July 29, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua confirmed that the governor had left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and would seek re-election in 2027 on a DCP ticket.
The announcement comes barely three weeks after DCP secured a major victory in the closely watched Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where the party defeated UDA in what was widely viewed as a significant political setback for the ruling party in Nyandarua County.
Gachagua welcomed Badilisha into the party and described the move as a major boost for DCP's growing influence in the region. He said the governor's decision demonstrated increasing confidence in the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Gachagua, DCP is rapidly expanding its political footprint across the country and is positioning itself as a serious challenger to the ruling coalition in future elections.
Badilisha becomes one of the latest high-profile leaders from the Mt. Kenya region to distance himself from UDA as political realignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
The governor had not issued a separate public statement explaining his decision at the time of publication.
His defection is expected to intensify competition for political influence in Nyandarua County and could further strengthen Gachagua's efforts to build DCP into a major force in the Mt. Kenya region following its recent electoral gains.
