Ndiritu Muriithi, the current Chairman of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and former Laikipia Governor, has turned down an offer to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party instead choosing to align with the Ruto-allied Reform Party of Kenya (RPK) for the Laikipia gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Gachagua has been trying to consolidate Mt. Kenya region support behind his new party.
However, Muriithi’s decision to join the RPK instead points to a clear preference for alignment with President William Ruto’s administration over Rigathi Gachagua’s regional isolationist politics.
Speaking about his decision, Muriithi said his choice of the RPK was aimed at countering what he described as “balkanization” and isolationist politics that have emerged in Mt. Kenya.
“We must resist the temptation to retreat into ethnic and regional silos,” Muriithi stated, explaining his rationale for rejecting the DCP in favor of the RPK.
The announcement sets the stage for a highly competitive gubernatorial race in Laikipia County in 2027 with Muriithi likely to face challengers from both President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Gachagua’s DCP.
Muriithi previously served as Laikipia Governor and has maintained a visible public profile through his role at the helm of the KRA, as its Chair.
Muriithi’s decision to align with the RPK rather than the DCP is likely to influence other leaders in the region who are weighing their options ahead of the 2027 polls.
