Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political comeback hit a snag this week after plans to launch his new party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), were postponed.
The event, initially scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, was called off after the party failed to secure clearance to use the venue.
“We want to take this opportunity to communicate with our membership that we have resolved and we are going to relaunch the party within the month,” said DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala. “We are looking for an alternative venue, which will be communicated in due course.”
The party had planned to spend Ksh3.7 million on the launch, which was expected to draw around 5,000 attendees, including supporters, invited guests, and members of the press.
Malala emphasized that the party has established various structures in line with its constitution and plans to form an aspirant forum across all counties in Kenya.
“We have established different structures per our constitution. We are going to establish the aspirant forum. We have all the counties of the Republic of Kenya forming an aspirant forum which eventually will culminate in a membership drive,” he added.
He also stated that the party will not permit anyone or any aspirant to open party offices without the approval of the National Executive Council. “Party offices will be regulated by the National Secretariat, headed by the Secretary General,” Malala said.
DCP is one of only two new political parties registered in Kenya since the 2022 general elections, receiving its certificate on February 3, 2025, according to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
Gachagua, who served as Deputy President from 2022 until his impeachment in 2024, has been vocal about his disagreements with the current administration. He has accused the government of neglecting key issues affecting ordinary Kenyans and has vowed to rally like-minded leaders into a formidable political formation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The DCP’s delayed launch comes amid growing political realignments in Kenya, with various leaders forming alliances in preparation for the upcoming elections. Gachagua has been working to consolidate support, particularly in Central Kenya, a region that has traditionally been a stronghold for the ruling party.
Despite the setback, Malala assured supporters that the party remains committed to its mission and will announce a new launch date soon.
