Chaos erupted on Thursday morning, May 15, during the launch of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after a group of rowdy individuals stormed the event. The dramatic incident occurred at the party’s headquarters along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington, Nairobi.
The event had just reached its climax, with Gachagua delivering his speech and unveiling the names of party officials, when a group of goons forced their way into the venue. Eyewitnesses said the attackers appeared intent on disrupting the ceremony, which marked the official entry of Gachagua into a new political phase.
Police officers stationed at the venue responded swiftly, firing shots into the air to disperse the group and restore order. In the confusion, some of the goons were cornered and allegedly assaulted before being subdued. Party officials were quickly escorted to safety, as the situation grew increasingly volatile.
Footage from the scene showed a man believed to be a police officer discharging his firearm into the air, while a crowd rushed toward the main gate in panic. Gachagua’s motorcade was momentarily halted as security personnel worked to stabilize the area. The chaos lasted approximately five minutes before calm was restored.
Preliminary reports from the police suggest that the disruption was a coordinated invasion by hired troublemakers. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible.
Despite the incident, Gachagua remained composed and later reiterated his commitment to the new party. He revealed that he had spent the past six months in consultation with various stakeholders at his home, crafting a party that he believes can offer a new leadership model for Kenya.
The Democracy for Citizens Party, according to Gachagua, aims to tackle the persistent issues of poor governance and offer a credible alternative to Kenyans dissatisfied with the current political landscape.
As investigations continue, the incident has already sparked widespread reactions, with many condemning the use of violence in political processes.
