NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially launched his long-rumored political outfit—the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—marking a break from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and signaling a high-stakes power play ahead of the 2027 elections.
At an event held Thursday morning at the DCP’s newly unveiled headquarters on Musa Gitau Road in Nairobi’s Lavington suburb, Gachagua introduced the party’s top leadership.
Power Moves and New Alignments
In a move likely to rattle the UDA establishment, Gachagua named former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala as his deputy in DCP—placing him second-in-command within the party hierarchy.
Former agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was unveiled as the party’s National Organising Secretary.
Veteran politician Maina Kamanda, a former Jubilee stalwart, also makes a political comeback under the DCP banner, taking up the interim chairperson of eminent persons.
Hesbon Obanga will serve as the party’s Secretary General.
Though registered as early as February 3, the DCP has been kept under tight wraps by Gachagua’s allies—part of a calculated strategy to avoid early political sabotage, according to insiders.
Kazi na Haki: The Symbolism of DCP
The party’s slogan—Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice)—is paired with a striking logo showing a hand touching an ear, a metaphor Gachagua says represents a leadership that “listens to the ground.”
Its official colors—green, brown, and black—aim to project a connection to the earth, resilience, and the everyday Kenyan.
Political observers view DCP as Gachagua’s vehicle to consolidate influence in the Mount Kenya region, where discontent has been simmering over what some perceive as neglect by the current administration.
Gachagua has positioned himself as the region’s defender, often criticizing UDA’s leadership style and internal dynamics.
With DCP now in the open and its leadership unveiled, all eyes turn to whether the party can mount a credible challenge—or force a realignment—within the current political landscape.
