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Nairobi | May 15, 2025
The highly anticipated launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s new political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), descended into chaos on Thursday after goons stormed the event, forcing security to fire gunshots to disperse the attackers.
The incident occurred in Lavington, Nairobi, shortly after Gachagua unveiled the party’s leadership structure and slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans). The launch had drawn a sizeable crowd, including political allies, party supporters, and curious members of the public. However, the event quickly turned violent when a group of unidentified individuals breached the venue’s perimeter, causing panic and forcing a rapid evacuation.
Gunshots and Mayhem
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as security officers and members of Gachagua’s detail responded by firing into the air. A video circulating online captured a man in plainclothes, believed to be a police officer, discharging his firearm as people scrambled for safety.
“There were screams, and then I heard several gunshots. People started running in all directions,” said one attendee who declined to be named for fear of retaliation.
The attackers reportedly vandalized vehicles and disrupted the procession just as Gachagua’s convoy was preparing to exit the premises. Although the former Deputy President was not harmed, the launch ended abruptly, and the aftermath left several injured and property damaged.
Deputy President Kindiki Condemns Violence
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki swiftly condemned the incident, calling the violence unacceptable and a threat to Kenya’s democratic values.
“Our country must exercise democratic tolerance and embrace issue-based politics. Insults, violence, and divisive rhetoric as a means of processing political differences of opinion have no place in our society,” Kindiki said in a public statement.
He further emphasized that political competition should never escalate into lawlessness and that leaders owe it to both current and future generations to uphold peace and mutual respect.
Political Undertones and Rising Tensions
The launch of the DCP comes amid rising tensions between Gachagua and top officials in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), from which he was ousted last year following an impeachment over allegations of corruption and inciting ethnic division—accusations he has strongly denied.
Since his removal, Gachagua has positioned himself as a voice of the “oppressed majority,” often taking on the government over issues such as taxation, economic inequality, and perceived exclusion of Mt. Kenya interests from national decision-making. Thursday’s chaos is not the first attempt to derail his public engagements. In November 2024, a funeral event in Limuru turned violent, and in December, a thanksgiving event in Nyandarua was disrupted with a tear gas canister thrown toward the dais.
Gachagua has accused elements within the state of orchestrating these attacks to silence dissent.
Who’s Behind the Violence?
While no group has claimed responsibility for the Lavington disruption, police have launched an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. Security sources indicated they are reviewing CCTV footage and social media clips shared by attendees to track down the perpetrators.
Gachagua’s supporters have alleged political sabotage, pointing fingers at powerful forces unsettled by his re-entry into the political mainstream with the DCP.
“The violence is a clear attempt to intimidate our movement,” said former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who was named the DCP’s national organizing secretary during the event. “But we will not be cowed. The Democracy for Citizens Party is here to stay.”
Linturi, who recently resigned from the UDA, cited state excesses, alleged forced disappearances, and corruption as his reasons for breaking away from the ruling party.
DCP’s Promise and Leadership
Despite the disruption, Gachagua managed to unveil the party’s core leadership. Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala was named deputy party leader, with other youthful and regional representatives expected to be unveiled in coming weeks.
The party’s green and white branding and grassroots slogan are meant to symbolize a new direction in Kenyan politics—one centered on inclusivity, economic justice, and what Gachagua described as “listening to real Kenyans.”
“This party will be a home for all Kenyans who feel forgotten. We are not here to fight anyone; we are here to offer an alternative,” he said during his speech before the chaos unfolded.
What This Means for 2027
The DCP’s chaotic launch could mark a turning point in the countdown to the 2027 general election. Gachagua’s political revival poses a significant challenge to established political blocs, especially in the Mt. Kenya region, where internal rivalries continue to deepen.
With his grassroots backing and populist rhetoric, Gachagua is likely to reshape the political landscape in ways the ruling coalition may not have anticipated. Whether he can overcome the violent resistance and state pushback remains to be seen.
Thursday’s violent interruption of a peaceful political event underscores the fragility of Kenya’s democratic process.
As political temperatures rise, Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether leaders uphold their responsibility to protect the nation’s peace and democratic integrity—or whether they will allow chaos and intimidation to define the next political chapter.