Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially unveiled his new political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. The unveiling took place on May 15, 2025, at the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Gachagua, who recently resigned from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has positioned DCP as a party that listens to the people. The party’s slogan, “Kazi na Haki” (Work and Justice), reflects its commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. The party’s logo a hand touching an ear, symbolizes attentiveness to the voices of the people.
In his speech, Gachagua emphasized that DCP would be inclusive, welcoming leaders from different regions and backgrounds. He noted that the party was formed after months of consultations with Kenyans who felt politically abandoned.
DCP has already established its leadership structure, with several notable figures taking up key positions:
– Cleophas Malala – Interim Deputy Party Leader
– David Mingati – Chairperson
– Mithika Linturi – National Organizing Secretary
– Cate Waruguru – National Women’s Leader
– Peter Mwathi – Deputy Party Chair (Strategy)
– Hesbon Obanga – Secretary General
– Hannah Mutua – Treasurer
– Andrew Kiplimo Muge – Director of Elections
– Maina Kamanda – Chairperson of the Council of Eminent Persons
– Alex Khamasi – National Coordinator (Counties)
– Mercy Gakuya – Secretary for Education
– Hussein Athmani – Secretary for Tourism
– John Maraga – Representative for Persons with Disabilities
Gachagua’s move to establish DCP is seen as a direct challenge to President William Ruto and the ruling UDA party. His fallout with Ruto has fueled speculation that he is seeking to consolidate political influence in Mount Kenya while forming alliances with opposition leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i.
Gachagua has announced that the official national launch of DCP will take place on June 4, 2025. He plans to embark on a two-year nationwide tour to popularize the party and recruit members.
