Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s planned launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has hit a major roadblock after the government, through Sports Kenya, revoked a confirmed booking of the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The event, initially scheduled for June 4, 2025, has now been postponed indefinitely.
In a letter dated May 21, Sports Kenya cited “prior bookings by sports teams” and preparations for the upcoming Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) CHAN 2025 tournament as the reason for the abrupt cancellation.
“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available… We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025),” the notice read.
DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga condemned the move, calling it “an affront to democracy” and accusing the government of deliberate interference aimed at frustrating the new party’s growth.
“The Kasarani gymnasium facility is a public space that should be accessible to all. This cancellation is a targeted attempt to derail our party’s activities,” Obaga said in a statement Tuesday.
According to DCP, Sports Kenya had earlier advised them to move the launch to June 3, 2025, and issued an invoice of Kshs. 3.7 million, which confirmed the booking.
However, the facility was later declared unavailable “on 3rd June 2025 or any other date in the near future.”
This is not the first time DCP has cried foul. The party also cited police interference and harassment during its unveiling on May 15 and a separate incident in Kakamega on May 24.
DCP is now seeking an alternative private venue to host the party launch, with a new date to be announced soon.
