Nairobi, Kenya — A dramatic scene unfolded in Lavington on Thursday morning after unidentified individuals stormed the launch event of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly unveiled political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The chaos erupted shortly after Gachagua and other senior DCP officials left the venue, with eyewitnesses reporting an attempt by suspected goons to disrupt the event.
Police officers swiftly responded by firing into the air to disperse the crowd, prompting panic among onlookers.
A video circulating online show an ununiformed officer discharging his weapon in a bid to contain the disturbance, which marred what had been a tightly choreographed unveiling of Gachagua’s long-anticipated political vehicle.
GUNSHOTS reported at DCP HQ after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua party launch.
The launch marks Gachagua’s most significant political move since his falling out with President William Ruto.
His new party, DCP, enters the arena under the slogan Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice), promising to offer a “people-first” alternative in the run-up to the 2027 general election.
The party’s logo—a hand cupping an ear—symbolises attentiveness to public concerns, while its colour scheme of green, brown, and black aims to project grounded, earthy values.
Gachagua revealed several key figures joining his camp. Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has been named his deputy in the new party, while former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will serve as National Organising Secretary.
Veteran politician Maina Kamanda also staged a comeback, emerging as the interim chairperson of eminent persons, while Hesbon Obanga was appointed Secretary General.
Although the Democracy for Citizens Party was officially registered in February, insiders say Gachagua and his allies deliberately kept it under wraps to avoid premature political attacks.
The attempted disruption at Thursday’s launch may validate those fears.
