Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially launched a new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he claims will deliver fresh, citizen-focused leadership and address the chronic governance challenges facing Kenya.
Speaking during the launch event at the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, Gachagua emphasized that the DCP’s formation was inspired by a pressing need to offer credible alternatives to the political status quo.
“We are here to provide better leadership for Kenyans and to pull the country out of the long-standing problems of poor governance,” he said.
The party’s slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans), captures its core mission: to prioritize the voices, needs, and aspirations of ordinary citizens over political elites or special interests.
“The DCP will not impose preferred candidates,” Gachagua noted. “We believe in bottom-up engagement, where leadership reflects the will of the people, not the dictates of party bosses.”
To help steer the party forward, a team of seasoned political figures and fresh faces has been unveiled. Gachagua’s close ally, Cleophas Malala, will serve as the interim Deputy Party Leader, while David Mingati takes on the role of Chairperson.
Key national positions include:
– Mithika Linturi, former Agriculture CS – National Organizing Secretary
– Cate Waruguru, former Laikipia Woman Rep – National Women’s Leader
– Peter Mwathi, former Limuru MP – Deputy Party Chair, Strategy
– Hesbon Obanga – Secretary General
– Hannah Mutua – Treasurer
– Andrew Kiplimo Muge – Director of Elections
– Maina Kamanda – Chairperson, Council of Eminent Persons
– Alex Khamasi – National Coordinator, Counties
– Mercy Gakuya – Secretary for Education
– Hussein Athmani – Secretary for Tourism
– John Maraga – Representative for Persons with Disabilities
As the DCP sets its sights on national politics, Gachagua is rallying support around a message of accountability, inclusion, and people-first leadership, laying the groundwork for what he promises will be a transformative political movement.