Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to officially launch his new political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), on June 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi. The announcement was made through a letter dated May 20, 2025, by the party’s Secretary General, Hezron Obaga, addressed to the facility’s management.
According to the letter, the launch event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to attract at least 5,000 attendees, including party members, supporters, and invited guests. The program will feature speeches, interactive sessions, and performances, all aimed at unveiling the party’s vision, leadership, and manifesto.
“We plan to use the facility for speeches, interactive sessions and performances aimed at unveiling our vision, manifesto and leadership to the Kenyan public,” Obaga stated. The party also sought clarification on the venue’s availability, booking procedure, and associated costs. In response, the facility’s management issued a Ksh.3.7 million bill for the day-long event.
This official launch follows the party’s initial unveiling on May 15, 2025, at its headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi. That event introduced DCP’s identity and leadership, although it was marred by chaos after unidentified individuals disrupted the proceedings, prompting a swift response from security personnel.
During the unveiling, Gachagua emphasized the party’s core philosophy—listening to Kenyans—symbolized in the party’s logo featuring a hand cupped beneath an ear and its slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans). He said the party was founded to address the challenges of poor governance and to champion a citizen-driven approach to leadership.
“Kenyans have boldly told us they have a solution to the problems facing them. Kenyans have asked us to start a party which will form a government by the people for the people,” Gachagua stated.
The party’s interim leadership includes former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala as Deputy Party Leader, David Mingati as Chairperson, and former Agriculture CS, Mithika Linturi as National Organizing Secretary. Other notable figures include Cate Waruguru (National Women’s Leader), Peter Mwathi (Deputy Party Chair of Strategy), Hannah Mutua (Treasurer), Andrew Kiplimo Muge (Director of Elections), Maina Kamanda (Chairperson, Council of Eminent Persons), and Alex Khamasi (National Coordinator–Counties).
The upcoming launch marks a significant step in DCP’s entry into Kenya’s political arena, with expectations high over its future impact.
Written By Rodney Mbua
