Rigathi Gachagua Leads DCP's First NEC Meeting, Confirms June Launch

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is poised to officially launch later this month, following strategic decisions made at its inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. 

The meeting, chaired by party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, focused on pivotal organisational structuring and strategic planning, setting the stage for the party's formal entry into the political arena. The DCP's initial plan to launch at Kasarani Stadium on June 3 was thwarted due to logistical impediments. 

The party was denied access to the venue due to prior bookings and ongoing preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, prompting the NEC to convene and explore alternative options to ensure the launch proceeds as scheduled. Speaking to the press following the NEC meeting, Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala reaffirmed the party's dedication to holding its much-anticipated launch, despite the setback. 

"We had an extensive discussion on the party launch, and despite the initial scheduling issue, we remain steadfast in our resolve. We are currently assessing alternative venues, and once a decision is made, we will communicate accordingly," Malala stated.

Beyond the launch discussions, the NEC meeting also addressed establishing key party structures, including the formation of an aspirants' forum. This initiative is designed to engage individuals interested in contesting elective positions under the party's banner in the 2027 general elections. According to Malala, the aspirants' forum will be organized at county levels across the country, culminating in a nationwide membership drive. 

"Each county will create its own aspirants' forum, serving as a platform for engagement and mobilisation, ensuring we have a structured approach to recruitment and political participation," he elaborated.

A contentious matter addressed during the NEC meeting was the unauthorised opening of party offices across various regions. Malala clarified that any establishment of party offices must be sanctioned by the NEC and coordinated through the party's secretariat under the Secretary General. 

"Since unveiling the party, we have observed cases of individuals opening offices without official clearance. To maintain order and organisational coherence, we have resolved that all party offices must be approved and managed centrally," he said.

According to Irungu Nyakera, former Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) board chair, the postponement of the DCP's launch was attributed to venue constraints rather than political interference. In a statement released on Monday, June 2, he reaffirmed the party's commitment to its vision and goals despite the setback, saying, "The cancellation of our launch was purely logistical. However, we are determined to move forward, and nothing will deter our voice or mission."

The DCP had previously submitted a formal request to reserve Kasarani Stadium's gymnasium for the event, detailing plans to host speeches, performances, and interactive sessions aimed at introducing the party's manifesto and leadership structure to the public. The projected attendance was approximately 5,000 individuals, including party members, supporters, invited guests, and members of the press. 

The reservation was budgeted at Ksh3.7 million, an amount the party had earmarked for securing the facility. In a response dated May 28, Sports Kenya Director-General Gabriel Komora informed the party that the venue would not be available due to prior bookings for sports activities. Despite these logistical hurdles, the DCP leadership remains optimistic that the upcoming event will set the stage for the party's political trajectory.

"We regret to inform you that the facility is unavailable due to scheduled events and ongoing CHAN 2025 preparations. We advise seeking an alternative venue and apologise for any inconvenience caused," Komora said in the official notification.