Lavington, Nairobi – May 15, 2025 — The political landscape in Kenya took a significant turn as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua officially launched his much-anticipated political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), at a colourful event in Lavington. Despite being planned as a low-profile affair, the event saw an overwhelming turnout with roads leading to the venue packed, no parking spaces left, and all seats occupied well before 9 a.m.
Among the notable figures at the event was Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, an aspirant for the Kikuyu Constituency parliamentary seat, who was spotted seated prominently at the front row, beaming with excitement. Speaking to reporters, Kigathi welcomed the formation of DCP, terming it a timely development for the Mt. Kenya region and beyond.
“I’m extremely happy today that the much-awaited launch of DCP has finally taken place. This gives us, the people from Mt. Kenya, a clear direction on where we shall cast our votes,” said Kigathi.
When asked about the viability of DCP capturing the presidency on its own, Kigathi responded with optimism but also strategic realism.
“The party must work with like-minded leaders to achieve a national outlook. We’ve already seen H.E. Rigathi Gachagua engaging with leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, among others. That’s the way forward,” he said.
Kigathi also praised the party’s slogan “Sikiza Ground”, calling it catchy and reflective of a party that listens to the people.
“This is a party that will be listening to its people. It is inclusive and representative of all communities. We are all in this movement for the good of our people,” he added.
The event was vibrant, with attendees donning DCP’s official colours — green, brown, and black. However, the celebratory mood was briefly marred by an ugly incident as hired goons allegedly linked to government sympathizers disrupted the event as it wound down. Gachagua’s security detail had to fire in the air to disperse the attackers.
Kigathi condemned the attack in strong terms:
“I strongly condemn the attack on this peaceful party launch by hired goons. Kenya has matured past this kind of retrogressive politics. We will not be cowed. We will not be intimidated. This is just the beginning. We will deliver our people from these black colonial masters,” he stated passionately.
As DCP now prepares for its grand national launch event at the end of the month, the newly formed party also unveiled its interim leadership team to steer its growth ahead of the National Delegates Convention (NDC). The list includes:
• Rigathi Gachagua – Party Leader (Nyeri)
• Cleophas Malala – Interim Deputy Party Leader (Kakamega)
• David Mingati – Chairperson (Kajiado)
• Peter Mwathi – Deputy Chairperson, Strategy (Kiambu)
• Margaret Sarah Owino – Deputy Chairperson, Operations (Kisumu)
• Hezron Obanga – Secretary General (Kisii)
• Martin Ole Kamwaro – Deputy Secretary General (Narok)
• Hannah Mutua – National Treasurer (Machakos)
• Evangeline Wanjiru Njoka – Deputy Treasurer, Strategy (Embu)
• Thomas Mwita – Deputy National Treasurer (Migori)
• Andrew Kiplimo – Director of Elections (Uasin Gishu)
• Mithuka Linturi – National Organising Secretary (Meru)
• Catherine Waruguru – National Women Leader (Laikipia)
• Maina Kamanda – Chairperson of Eminent Persons (Nairobi)
• David Njenga – Chairperson, Diaspora Caucus
• Albanus Kinyua – Chairperson, Religious Caucus
• Alex Khamasi – National Coordinator – Counties (Kakamega)
• Brenda Wanjiru – Executive Director (Busia)
• Christopher Mwadime – Secretary, Devolution (Taita Taveta)
• Mercy Gakuya – Secretary for Education (Nairobi)
• Elvanin Nyambura – Secretary, International Affairs (Murang’a)
• Hussein Athmani – Secretary for Tourism (Kilifi)
• John Maraga – Secretary representing PWDs (Nakuru)
• Cera Wanjiku – National Youth Leader
With Kigathi’s early endorsement and mounting grassroots support, DCP appears poised to become a major player in Kenya’s political realignment as 2027 looms on the horizon .
