A political launch meant to showcase Rigathi Gachagua’s new party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), turned chaotic on Thursday after armed goons stormed the venue in Lavington. The disruption forced Gachagua’s security personnel to fire shots into the air in an attempt to disperse the intruders, creating scenes of panic and confusion.
As the commotion escalated, several individuals were reportedly surrounded and beaten, with the violence unfolding before the eyes of a crowd of media personnel and onlookers. Despite the chaos, Gachagua, a former Deputy President, pressed on with unveiling his new political venture, which he hopes will challenge the dominance of his former boss, President William Ruto, and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“Today marks the birth of a party that will truly listen to the people,” Gachagua said in his speech before the attack, referring to his new party’s slogan, ‘Skiza Wakenya’ (Listen to Kenyans). The party’s symbol, a listening ear, echoes this theme of attentiveness to the public’s concerns.
The event was intended to be a moment of political significance, as Gachagua appointed himself as the party leader, with former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala named interim deputy party leader. Hezron Obaga, another former political player, was designated as Secretary-General.
Gachagua’s party is a bold move, clearly aimed at positioning him as a formidable rival to President Ruto. However, the party’s composition raised eyebrows. Many of the individuals he has appointed to key positions, including Martin Ole Kamwaro (deputy Secretary-General) and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Franklin Linturi (National Organising Secretary), are figures who lost in the previous General Election. Others, like Mably Sarah Owino and Annah Kavuu Mutua, are relatively unknown in the political sphere.
Despite the violence, Gachagua remained defiant. “As the Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, I commit that I will listen to the people of the Republic of Kenya and live up to their aspirations,” he declared, speaking from the heart of the political storm.
The disruption, however, raises important questions about the climate of political tension in Kenya, particularly as the country prepares for what could be a contentious period ahead. The question now is whether Gachagua’s new party will be able to gain traction amidst the backdrop of this violence and the looming presence of his political rivals.
