Malala blames government for chaos at DCP launch

Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of his new party, Democracy for Citizens Party. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Deputy party leader of the newly launched Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Cleophas Malala, has accused the government of orchestrating chaos that marred the party's official launch on Thursday in Lavington, Nairobi.

Speaking during an interview on KTN, Malala alleged that police officers stationed near the venue failed to intervene as a group of youths disrupted the event, which was presided over by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"That group was orchestrated by the government, which is clearly paranoid. Why else would hundreds of youths attempt to disrupt an event they weren't invited to? And when the chaos erupted, the police were completely absent," Malala said.

The former UDA secretary general also claimed that, days after the incident, no police officer has visited the venue or reached out to the party to investigate the matter.

Cleophas Malala: To the best of my knowledge, my party leader is a very inclusive leader. Recently, you saw him hosting leaders in his Wamunyoro village-leaders from various political parties in the region. The guest of honour at that event was Martha Karua of the PLP, and the... pic.twitter.com/GFa29fBbYF

- KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) May 15, 2025

Despite the disruption, Malala reiterated DCP's national outlook, dismissing suggestions that the party is regionally based.

He said the party plans to field candidates across the country in a strategic manner to avoid unnecessary competition with other political parties.

"We are building a home for inclusivity-this is not about an individual but about amplifying the voices of Kenyans. I was removed from office because I advised my former party leader to listen to the people. If listening to Kenyans is radical, then we are proud radicals," Malala said.

The Democracy for Citizens Party, whose slogan is Skiza Wakenya (Listen to Kenyans), was officially unveiled on May 15 as part of what insiders describe as Gachagua's early preparations for the 2027 presidential race.