NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has settled on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as his new political vehicle, signaling the next phase in his increasingly public rift with President William Ruto.
The DCP, officially registered on February 3, 2025, is set to be unveiled on Thursday, May 15, at a location in Nairobi that remains under wraps.
The launch follows Gachagua’s resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Sunday, ending months of speculation over his political future.
Sources close to Gachagua say the party’s symbolism reflects his emerging brand.
The colours—green, brown, and black—accompany a logo showing a hand touching an ear, meant to represent a leader “listening to the ground.” The party’s slogan is Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice).
The former DP has repeatedly criticised UDA for what he terms as abandonment of its founding ideals and alienation of voters, particularly in Mount Kenya, where he claims the party has lost touch with the grassroots.
His new formation aims to channel that discontent into a broader national platform.
“I am launching a national party this week with its roots in Mount Kenya,” Gachagua said in a vernacular radio interview on Monday. “This party will bring together political leaders from across the country.”
Ahead of the unveiling, Gachagua held closed-door meetings with key allies to finalise the party’s leadership structure.
Documents list members of the DCP’s interim governing council as Thomas Ratemo, Ado Yiembo, Mably Owino, Hussein Athman, Laura Njeri, Abdifatah Abdullahi, Joy Gatugi, Jeremiah Mong’eri, Joel Sang, John Maranga, Miriam Fredina Mariki, and Brenda Banjira Omusinda.
While the launch will be low-key, insiders say plans are underway for a larger national event later in the month to formally roll out the party’s agenda and recruit members.
Gachagua is also laying the groundwork for a possible coalition with leading opposition figures, including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya’s Martha Karua, DAP-Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
His allies are rallying behind the new vehicle. Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar, a close confidant, has already declared his intent to seek elective office under DCP.
“We said we must look for a political vehicle, and we have agreed that it is the one by Wamunyoro,” Seki told supporters.
He added, “The chairman of this party will come from Kajiado. I invite all of you to join us in Nairobi as we unveil our new party.”
Gachagua’s move intensifies the political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Since his impeachment late last year and subsequent fall-out with President Ruto, the former DP has kept the political class guessing about his next move.
In his resignation letter to UDA, Gachagua accused the ruling party of presiding over “the most dangerous political moment for the people and the Republic of Kenya.”
He alleged economic mismanagement, betrayal of constitutional values, and abandonment of the ordinary Kenyan.
With the formation of DCP, Gachagua appears determined to carve a new political identity—one built on dissent, defiance, and the promise of a fresh start.
