Authorities Block DCP Event, Drawing Parallels to Historic Opposition Suppression

The budding Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is facing significant obstacles in launching its political activities.

This spotlights a recurring issue in Kenyan politics: the denial of public venues to opposition movements. The incident echoes a historical pattern where state actions, cloaked in administrative justifications, impede opposition gatherings.

The DCP had initially secured the Kasarani Sports Centre for its official launch, completing the formal booking process and receiving an invoice for KSh3.7 million. However, Sports Kenya abruptly reversed this decision, citing prior sports bookings and preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025).

This abrupt cancellation mirrors a strategy often employed in Kenyan politics, where authorities use reasons such as intelligence reports, ongoing renovations, or conflicting event schedules to justify denying venues to opposition parties. Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure, has frequently experienced such obstacles, particularly during President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure. State agencies repeatedly blocked Raila's rallies, citing security concerns and public safety. In November 2017, the extreme measure of dumping raw sewage at Nairobi's Jacaranda Grounds was taken to sabotage a Raila rally.

Political analysts suggest that these venue denials are a calculated effort to undermine opposition parties. Prof. David Monda, a US-based political analyst, argues that restricting opposition access to venues is a deliberate strategy to increase their operational costs and prevent them from consolidating support.

"Venues are critical for congregating, motivating, and invigorating political supporters. When the government denies DCP access to Kasarani, it is employing a common strategy to frustrate opposition efforts," Prof. Monda says.

However, such tactics can backfire, potentially generating sympathy for the affected party by reinforcing a perception of government overreach. Prof. Monda noted, "Ruto's effort to deny DCP an avenue to meet may strengthen public sympathy for the party, not just among its dedicated supporters, but even among neutral observers in the broader electorate."

The DCP's experience is not isolated. Instances of venue restrictions have affected various politicians, including President William Ruto himself, who faced challenges securing Nyayo National Stadium for his final campaign rally ahead of the 2022 general election. Initially approved for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the booking was later rescinded by Sports Kenya, citing an existing booking for a peace concert. 

Only a court intervention allowed Ruto's team to proceed with their event.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also encountered similar obstacles after leaving office. In May 2023, his Jubilee Party was denied access to the Bomas of Kenya for a scheduled National Delegates Convention, with planned renovations cited as the reason, a justification echoing past venue denials. Consequently, Kenyatta's party relocated the meeting to Ngong Racecourse.

The use of "security concerns" to curtail political events has been a recurring theme. In 2016, the High Court nullified the government's attempt to block Cord's Madaraka Day rally at Uhuru Park, ruling the ban unjustified. In June 2014, a Cord rally at Eldoret's 64 Stadium was similarly cancelled due to alleged intelligence reports indicating a risk of chaos.

In response to the Kasarani cancellation, DCP announced its decision to secure a private venue for its launch, emphasising its commitment to proceed despite government interference. Secretary-General Hezron Obaga denounced the cancellation as a deliberate attempt to suppress democratic expression.

"The indefinite cancellation of our venue is an affront to democracy. It is nothing short of a calculated move by the government to block the party's entry into the political space," Obaga said.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu accused authorities of systematically targeting DCP leaders through investigations and financial audits. Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera condemned the incident as a blatant disregard for constitutionalism and legal processes, asserting that such actions set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian governance. 

"The letters from Sports Kenya show sheer contempt for due process. The venue was offered, paid for, and then revoked on flimsy grounds. This is political sabotage with severe implications for democratic freedoms," he asserted.