Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially settled on the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as his new political platform, marking a pivotal shift in Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. The DCP is set to be unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Nairobi, as Gachagua intensifies his opposition to President William Ruto following his resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on May 12.
The DCP, which was formally registered on February 3, 2025, will carry the colours green, brown, and black, and features a symbolic logo of a hand touching an ear representing a leadership that “listens to the ground.” The party’s slogan, Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice), reinforces Gachagua’s new populist message aimed at disenchanted citizens.
While the launch venue remains under wraps, insiders indicate that Thursday’s event will be a low-key reveal, with a grand public jamboree expected later in the month. Gachagua and his inner circle held a closed-door meeting Tuesday evening to finalise the party’s leadership structure and key appointments.
The DCP’s national governing council includes 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.
Gachagua, who hails from the Mount Kenya region, says the DCP will be a national party with strong regional roots. He is reportedly in talks to form a coalition with Opposition figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
In his resignation letter, Gachagua blasted UDA as “the most dangerous political moment for the people and the Republic of Kenya,” accusing it of abandoning its founding ideals and steering the country toward economic and institutional collapse.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar confirmed he would contest under the DCP, stating the party chairperson would hail from Kajiado. He expressed optimism that Gachagua would inspire a new political movement focused on justice and development.
