The Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has denied viral reports suggesting the party is planning an official launch on Tuesday, June 25.
In a statement released on Monday, June 23, the party dismissed the claims as false and clarified that no launch event is scheduled for that day. The clarification comes amid growing public criticism online, with many accusing the party of attempting to hijack a day that is being set aside to honour victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
June 25 has been earmarked by youth activists and civil society groups as a national day of remembrance for those who were killed during last year’s demonstrations. The planned protests, dubbed the “Gen Z Memorial March,” have sparked nationwide attention.
Social media users had blasted Gachagua and DCP after posters claiming the party would be holding its official unveiling on the same date went viral. The posters, widely circulated online, featured images of high-profile political figures including Gachagua, Martha Karua, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, ex-Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
One version of the fake poster even claimed South African opposition leader Julius Malema would be attending the launch, which was allegedly set to be held at a lavish venue.
However, in a statement posted on the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, DCP flagged the circulating posters as fake and reaffirmed that no event would be taking place on June 25.
Cancelled June 3 Launch
The party’s actual launch was initially scheduled for June 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. However, it was cancelled after Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora informed the party that the venue had already been booked by sports teams preparing for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025).
“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming CHAN 2025 to be hosted within the complex,” Komora wrote in a letter to the party.
Following the cancellation, DCP announced that it was in the process of securing an alternative venue and would communicate a new date for the official launch at a later time.
Tension Builds Ahead of Memorial March
The clarification from DCP comes as the country prepares for what could be a significant day of protest and reflection. Organisers of the June 25 Gen Z Memorial March have maintained that the day should be observed as a national holiday to honour the victims of police brutality during the 2024 demonstrations.
Despite growing support for the memorial, the government has maintained that June 25 will remain a normal working day. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has urged citizens to continue with their daily activities.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has issued a statement promising that peaceful protesters will be protected, but warned against any acts of lawlessness.
The DCP’s denial seeks to ease rising public anger amid suspicions that political events could undermine the solemnity of the June 25 commemorations.
