NAIROBI, Kenya – The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has condemned Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for remarks he made following a chaotic disruption during the party’s official launch on Thursday, accusing him of making “reckless and baseless” claims.
In a statement issued Friday via its verified X account, DCP lashed out at the CS, rejecting his assertion that supporters involved in the melee had been promised money and turned violent after payments failed to materialize.
“We are equally shocked by the reckless and baseless statement made by CS Kipchumba Murkomen,” the party said. “Such a statement is not only false but also dangerously irresponsible.”
We strongly condemn the incident involving goons who were sent to disrupt the unveiling of our Party at our Head Office yesterday. This shameful act is a clear indication that our political progress is unsettling our opponents.Kenya is a democratic nation, and every citizen has
The launch, held at the party’s new headquarters along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington, descended into chaos shortly after it began.
Gunshots were fired into the air by individuals in civilian clothing—believed to be part of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s security detail—in a bid to disperse rowdy groups attempting to breach the event. Three journalists were injured in the incident.
Murkomen, speaking in the aftermath, said early findings indicated the unrest was sparked by supporters who had expected to be paid for attending the launch.
“Some of the supporters were expecting to be paid, and as a result of fighting for those resources, there was a melee,” he said. “We urge all leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to work with the National Police Service when planning public events.”
DCP Links Incident to Political Rivalry
But DCP dismissed the explanation, claiming the disruption was a deliberate and politically motivated attempt to derail its momentum.
The party accused unnamed political rivals of orchestrating the chaos and referenced a similar incident at a church event previously attended by Gachagua.
“This shameful act is a clear indication that our political progress is unsettling our opponents,” the statement read.
The party also reaffirmed its commitment to democratic freedoms, condemning what it termed “sponsored hooliganism” aimed at intimidating new political formations.
“Kenya is a democratic nation, and every citizen has the right to form or join political parties without fear,” DCP stated. “We will not be cowed.”
Despite the disruption, DCP said it remains focused on its political mission and noted it had already registered over one million members within 24 hours of its launch—an announcement that has stirred significant attention in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
