Chaos erupt at Gachagua party launch

By Newsflash Writer

Chaos broke out Thursday morning during the official launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s new political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), after a group of unruly individuals stormed the event venue on Musa Gitau Road in Lavington, Nairobi.

The disruptive group descended on the event shortly after Gachagua had delivered his speech and unveiled the party’s interim leadership. The attack appeared to be a deliberate attempt to derail the proceedings.

Police officers, who had been deployed in anticipation of potential disturbances, quickly sprang into action. They fired shots into the air in an effort to disperse the hostile crowd. Video footage from the scene showed a man believed to be a police officer brandishing a firearm as a stampede erupted near the venue’s entrance.

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In the ensuing commotion, some of the assailants were reportedly subdued and roughed up by those present, while party officials were hurriedly escorted to safety. The convoy carrying Gachagua was briefly halted as law enforcement worked to contain the situation. The skirmish lasted approximately five minutes before calm was restored.

Authorities have launched investigations into the incident. Preliminary reports indicate the disruption was instigated by hired goons intent on sabotaging the launch.

Gachagua’s political rebirth

Despite the chaos, Gachagua formally unveiled the DCP, positioning it as a fresh alternative focused on credible leadership and responsive governance. He revealed that he had spent the past six months in quiet political consultation and planning from his home.

Gachagua said the DCP aims to address persistent issues plaguing Kenyans, including economic hardship and poor governance, promising a new dawn for citizens disillusioned by the current leadership.

Interim leadership unveiled

During the event, Gachagua introduced the party’s interim leadership, composed largely of former allies from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Jubilee Party, though notably absent were any currently serving elected officials.

Key appointments include:

Cleophas Malala – Deputy Party Leader (formerly UDA Secretary General)
Mithika Linturi – Interim National Organising Secretary (former Cabinet Secretary)
Margaret Sarah Owino – Deputy Chairperson, Operations (Kisumu)
Peter Mwathi – Deputy Chairperson, Strategy (Kiambu)
Hezron Obanga – Interim Secretary General (Kisii)
Martin Kamwaro – Deputy Secretary General (Narok)
Catherine Waruguru – National Women Leader (former Laikipia Woman Rep)
David Mingati – National Chairperson (Kajiado)
Anne Mutua – National Treasurer (Machakos)
Wambiru Njoka – Deputy Treasurer, Strategy
Thomas Mwita – Deputy National Treasurer, Operations
Former Starehe MP – Chair, Caucus of Eminent Persons

A musical movement for change

In a bid to energize his support base, Gachagua also launched a series of campaign anthems under the DCP banner. The songs—performed in both English and Kiswahili—carry powerful political messages aimed at unifying citizens and rallying against what the party describes as economic oppression and poor governance.

The party’s slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans), features prominently in the lyrics, which include lines such as:

“Komboa payslip, Okoa Wakenya, Unganisha Kenya!”
“Skiza Wakenya! Waongo waende kabisa! DCP ni mwamko mpya, utaboresha afya na itaokoa payslip!”

The DCP’s musical campaign departs from the UDA’s 2021 approach, which leaned heavily on Christian hymns. Gachagua’s movement is instead employing a blend of secular and gospel music, with a strong emphasis on economic justice and political inclusivity.

Another popular chant among supporters went:

“Uongozi wa kuaminika, tunaskiza Wakenya! DCP inaunganisha Wakenya wote na ni chama cha Wakenya wote!”

With this spirited launch—despite the brief interruption—Gachagua has signaled a strong re-entry into the national political arena, setting the stage for a major showdown in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.