Tag: Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)

Blow To Gachagua As Banisa DCP Candidate Withdraws From Race After State House Visit

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has suffered a significant political setback after its candidate for the Banisa constituency by-election withdrew from the race following a State House meeting.

Adan Mohamed Kiongozi, who had been unveiled by Gachagua as the DCP standard-bearer for the November 27 polls, announced his withdrawal after what he described as pressure from community elders and a meeting with President William Ruto at State House.

The withdrawal comes as a major blow to Gachagua’s nascent political party, which is gearing up for its first electoral test since its formation in May 2025.

The Banisa seat fell vacant following the death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan in a road accident on March 28, 2023.

Speaking exclusively to this writer, Mohamed said his decision was influenced by the Mandera Council of Elders, Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, and ultimately President Ruto, who all prevailed upon him to step aside in favour of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.

“I have listened to my community, which has asked me to shelve my ambition and wait for 2027. The council of elders, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif and President William Ruto have all asked me to step down in favour of the UDA candidate,” Mohamed explained.

The former ODM politician, who garnered 7,775 votes in the 2022 elections while the late Kullow emerged victorious with 13,656 votes, maintained that his decision was based on community interests rather than financial inducements.

“I have heard reports that I was bribed Sh100 million. I am asking anyone who can get to President William Ruto to ask the same for me because I need it. I was given nothing and my decision is basically over community interest,” he stated categorically.

UDA’s candidate for the by-election is Ahmed Maalim Hassan, alias Barre, who is the brother of the late MP.

Hassan was initially the United Democratic Movement (UDM) candidate before being acquired by UDA, led by Senator Ali Roba.

Mohamed revealed that he was taken to State House last week by Governor Khalif, where they met President Ruto.

“The President only asked me to step down and promised to support me in the 2027 plan. He promised to ensure my political future remains bright,” he disclosed.

The withdrawal has prompted accusations from DCP leadership that the State House is engaging in underhand tactics to pressure their candidates across various constituencies.

Secretary-General Hezron Obaga claimed that candidates withdrawing from upcoming by-elections are allegedly receiving between Sh10-15 million from “the house on the hill.”

“Our candidates everywhere are under immense pressure to withdraw from upcoming by-elections and if our Banisa candidate has dropped, that confirms the situation,” Obaga said.

“What is happening at the State House confirms that the DCP is a strong party.”

However, Mohamed denied receiving any money, stating that his decision was purely based on respect for community wishes and showing sympathy to the family of the late MP.

The former DCP candidate also revealed insights about the political dynamics in the North Eastern region, claiming that the opposition’s “Wantam” gospel is not resonating with voters in Mandera and the broader region.

“I have realised that what the opposition is pushing in the name of Wantam is not selling in Mandera. Everyone is supporting the President and the Mandera governor for a second term,” he observed.

Mohamed had initially chosen DCP after his former party ODM entered into an agreement with UDA to support each other in their respective strongholds ahead of the by-elections.

With Mohamed’s exit, the Banisa race now features UDA’s Ahmed Maalim Hassan Barre, Nurdin Adan Enow (alias Dalato) who recently moved from Jubilee to United Progressive Party, and Issack Malele of the People Progressive Party.

Both Malele and Dalato have confirmed they will remain in the race until the end.

The development represents a significant test for Gachagua’s political influence and the viability of DCP as it prepares for what many see as a dry run for the 2027 general elections.

The party had positioned the Banisa by-election as one of its key battlegrounds alongside contests in Magarini, Malava, and Kasipul constituencies.

Governor Khalif, who played a key role in Mohamed’s withdrawal, confirmed that the community had overwhelmingly expressed support for the UDA aspirant during extensive campaigns across all villages in the constituency.

The Banisa constituency, with its complex clan dynamics and community leadership structures, appears to have prioritized unity and continuity by supporting the late MP’s brother, effectively sidelining external political party interests.

For Gachagua, who was impeached as Deputy President and has since formed DCP to challenge President Ruto’s administration, the Banisa withdrawal signals early challenges in his quest to build a formidable opposition movement ahead of 2027.

The IEBC has set October 2, 2025, as the deadline for political parties to submit their final lists of candidates for the November 27 by-elections across 22 positions countrywide.

September 23, 2025
Gachagua Opens Second DCP Diaspora Office in Boston, US

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has continued with efforts to expand the availability of his new party, Democracy for the Citizens (DCP), for Kenyans in the diaspora after he opened a second satellite office in Boston on Sunday.

He noted that the party was founded on the principles of listening to the people of Kenya and that resolve remains.

Gachagua said for many years, the pleas of Kenyans have gone unheard even as he promised to go over and above to listen to the people.

He insisted that no one will be left behind, should DCP win the leadership of the country in the 2027 general elections.

“The DCP Party, founded on the philosophy of listening to mwananchi, remains firm on this resolve. For far too long, Kenyans have been unheard, especially now; It is at its highest low. As a party, we shall move to every village and every part of the world where Kenyans are and listen to them.

“Today, in Boston, we opened our second satellite office in the USA to serve Kenyans in America. No Kenyan will be left behind in our leadership. Thank you, Boston,” Gachagua wrote on Facebook.

The launch of the Boston DCP office comes just a week after he launched another in Seattle, Washington.

“We are now expanding our presence with our very first satellite office in Seattle,” he said.

Gachagu described the new office as a key step in strengthening outreach and enhancing engagement with Kenyans living in the United States, particularly those in Seattle and surrounding areas.

“This new office will strengthen our efforts, foster greater engagement, and bring our initiatives closer to the people of Seattle and the surrounding areas,” he stated.

Gachagua left Kenya on July 9, 2025, night for a two-month tour across the United States; his first international trip since being removed from office in October 2024.

July 21, 2025
“Like a Gentleman, Just Accept That You Lost the Trust and Support of Kenyans and Move On,” Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Hiring Goons on His Party Launch

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack against President William Ruto yesterday, accusing him of repeatedly sending “goons” to attack him, his family, and supporters during the tumultuous launch of his new political party.

“Stop sending goons to attack me, my family, and supporters. We have rights and freedoms to enjoy like other Kenyans,” Gachagua declared during the chaotic unveiling of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Lavington.

The event, meant to mark Gachagua’s new political chapter, descended into violence when a large group of unidentified individuals disrupted proceedings, triggering a security incident involving Gachagua’s security detail.

In his statement, Gachagua directly challenged President Ruto: “Like a gentleman, just accept that you lost the trust and support of the people and move on.”

The former deputy president outlined what he described as a systematic campaign of intimidation dating back to November last year, including:

– An attack on mourners at a funeral in Limuru allegedly carried out by “goons under police escort”
– An assault on his wife and Christian worshippers during a prayer meeting in Nyeri
– Police teargas deployment during a prayer meeting in Nyandarua County in December
– The forceful eviction of his children from an office they had leased for five years
– An attack inside a PCEA church in April, which Gachagua controversially compared to a 2007 incident

“Today, once again, you sent goons to attack me and members of the DCP at the party headquarters,” Gachagua stated, claiming police have been prevented from arresting those responsible in each incident.

Government Accused of Orchestrating Chaos

Malala and Gachagua during the The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) launch.

DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala reinforced these allegations during a May 15 interview, claiming the disruption was state-orchestrated.

“We notified the police of the launch because you can’t launch a political party in secrecy,” Malala explained. “That group was planned and sent by the government because the government is paranoid.”

Malala questioned how such a large disruption could occur without any police investigation: “How can an event be disrupted by such a large number of individuals, and to date, no police officer has come to the premises or even made a call to enquire what happened?”

According to Malala, the government’s objective was to either prevent the party’s launch entirely or tarnish it with violence.

“It was planned that this party should not be launched. The party must be stained with optics of chaos,” he asserted.

Despite the disruption, Gachagua officially established the DCP party, with Malala appointed as interim deputy party leader.

The formation of this new political entity marks a significant development in Kenya’s political landscape, representing a formal break between Gachagua and Ruto’s administration.

May 16, 2025
Gachagua Launches Democracy for Citizens Party, Names Its Top Leadership ‬Including Malala

NAIROBI, May 15, 2025 – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially launched the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), marking a significant step in his political roadmap to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

The launch, held in Lavington, Nairobi, saw Gachagua unveil the party’s interim leadership and debut rallying songs aimed at galvanizing support across Kenya.

The DCP, whose slogan “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans) emphasizes responsiveness to citizens’ needs, has submitted its leadership roster to the Registrar of Political Parties for ratification.

Notably, the lineup excludes current elected leaders, signaling Gachagua’s intent to build a fresh political movement.

Among the top appointees is former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, named deputy party leader, alongside other political heavyweights from the defunct UDA and Jubilee parties.

“This is a party for all Kenyans, built on the principles of listening, uniting, and redeeming our nation from economic oppression,” Gachagua declared during the launch.

He outlined the DCP’s focus on addressing punitive policies, improving healthcare, and “redeeming the payslip” for struggling workers.

Gachagua during the launch of his new party in Nairobi.

The interim leadership includes former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi as National Organizing Secretary, former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru as National Women Leader, and David Mingati from Kajiado as National Chairperson.

Other key figures include Hezron Obanga (Interim Secretary General, Kisii), Anne Mutua (National Treasurer, Machakos), and Peter Mwathi (Deputy Chairperson, Strategy, Kiambu).

A caucus of eminent persons will be chaired by a former Starehe MP, further strengthening the party’s structure.

In a vibrant display of political branding, DCP introduced two rallying songs—one in Kiswahili and another in English—blending secular and gospel tones to resonate with diverse Kenyan audiences.

The Kiswahili song features lyrics like “Komboa payslip, Okoa Wakenya, Unganisha Kenya!” (Redeem the payslip, Save Kenyans, Unite Kenya!), calling for unity against economic hardship.

Another chant, “Uongozi wa kuaminika, tunaskiza Wakenya!” (Trustworthy leadership, we listen to Kenyans!), underscores the party’s citizen-centric message.

Supporters also sang, “Maisha yangu ni wewe, hata kama sina pesa” (My life is you, even if I have no money), reflecting the party’s populist appeal.

The launch contrasts sharply with the 2021 unveiling of UDA, which emphasized Christian messaging.

Gachagua’s DCP instead blends cultural and political themes to address pressing issues like economic inequality and democratic representation.

Political analysts view the move as a direct challenge to President Ruto’s administration, with Gachagua positioning himself as a unifying figure for disgruntled voters.

As the 2027 election approaches, the DCP’s formation marks a bold pivot for Gachagua, whose fallout with Ruto has fueled his political reinvention.

With a diverse leadership team and a message tailored to Kenya’s economic challenges, the DCP appears poised to reshape the country’s political landscape.

May 15, 2025