Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has unveiled the interim leadership of his newly launched political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), as part of his strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the unveiling of the party’s name on May 15, 2025, Gachagua said the proposed officials had been submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties for formal ratification.
Among the names are several former UDA and Jubilee Party heavyweights, notably former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who has been named Deputy Party Leader.
Notably, no currently elected leaders were included in the list—seen as a deliberate move by Gachagua as he builds a new political base independent of the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has been appointed Interim National Organising Secretary, while former Starehe MP Charles Njagua (Jaguar) will chair the Caucus of Eminent Persons.
Other appointees include:
- Catherine Waruguru – National Women Leader
- David Mingati (Kajiado) – National Chairperson
- Peter Mwathi (Kiambu) – Deputy Chairperson, Strategy
- Margaret Sarah Owino (Kisumu) – Deputy Chairperson, Operations
- Hezron Obanga (Kisii) – Interim Secretary General
- Martin Kamwaro (Narok) – Deputy Secretary General
- Anne Mutua (Machakos) – National Treasurer
- Wambiru Njoka – Deputy Treasurer, Strategy
- Thomas Mwita – Deputy National Treasurer, Operations
DCP also launched a series of rallying songs in both Kiswahili and English, designed to energize supporters and sharpen its messaging against President William Ruto’s administration.
The songs, blending secular and gospel tones, focus on economic liberation, citizen engagement, and broadening democratic space. One Kiswahili anthem calls on Kenyans to unite and resist punitive policies:
“Komboa payslip, okoka Wakenya, unganisha Kenya!”
“Skiza Wakenya! Waongo waende kabisa! DCP ni mwamko mpya, utaboresha afya na itaokoa payslip!”
The party’s slogan, “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans), reflects Gachagua’s campaign theme of grassroots-driven leadership.
At the launch event in Lavington, Nairobi, supporters also chanted:
“Uongozi wa kuaminika, tunaskiza Wakenya! DCP inaunganisha Wakenya wote na ni chama cha Wakenya wote!”
Another lyrical line that drew cheers was:
“Maisha yangu ni wewe, hata kama sina pesa, maisha yangu ni wewe yawe!”
The unveiling of DCP marks a bold step by Gachagua to position himself as a political alternative ahead of 2027, drawing sharp contrast with the Christian-themed rollout of UDA in 2021.
