Gachagua denied Kasarani permit for the launch of his political party

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during the unveiling of his new party, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Nairobi on May 15th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is seeking another venue to hold its launch after the government blocked efforts to hold the event at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

The party is now looking for private partnerships as they claim the government has denied them public amenities to launch the event.

Terming the Kenya Kwanza administration “a paranoid government”, deputy party leader Cleophas Malala criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of being behind the move to deny them the venue.

Speaking after attending their first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the party headquarters, Malala, however, maintained that they hope to launch the party within the month, adding that they had established a committee that will vet social amenities with a capacity to hold between 40,000 to 50,000 supporters. 

“We have set up a committee to look into that, the issue of capacity, because the number of delegates that we are inviting are big number,” he said.

Before the cancellation of their booking, DCP had paid Sh3.7 million to reserve the Kasarani gymnasium where it was expected to unveil the party’s vision, manifesto and leadership. “I am writing to formally request to book the Kasarani Stadium Gymnasium for our official party launch event, scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 8am to 5pm,” DCP’s letter read in part. It added: “The event is expected to host approximately 5,000 attendees, including party members, supporters, invited guests and press members.”

However, on May 28, the former DP was barred from using the venue by the Sports Kenya Director-General, Gabriel Komora, who cited the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) (center) Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua flanked by (right)  Interim Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala and (left) Secretary, Planning and Economic Affairs Peter Mbae when the party held its first National Executive Committee (NEC) at their headquarters in Nairobi on June 3, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito

“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 African Nations Championship (CHAN),” Komora wrote.

“Kindly consider looking for an alternative venue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we take this opportunity to thank you for your request to utilise the facility.”

This was despite Sports Kenya informing the party that the venue was available on May 21, and the management of the sports complex even approving their booking of the venue for the party launch.

Former Laikipia Women representative Cate Waruguru accused the government of muzzling voices of dissent and the opposition, referring to the Kakamega incident where Malala and Gachagua supporters were teargassed and denied entry to Kakamega town.

“Kenya is an interesting country, the same Malala who was fighting for William Ruto at a time when the previous regime had put him (Ruto) and his party under attack, is the same one who is now frustrating him,” Waruguru noted.

She further warned Ruto and his government agencies were not above the law and that they had to respect the Constitution. “And therefore, for that reason, we want to remind the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, so are the government agencies that they are not above the law. We are not talking of a Kenya that is a constitutional democracy. This is not a banana republic,” said Waruguru.

She announced that the party will hold civic engagements with their supporters across the country on the merits and demerits of the Finance Bill, saying that they would complement Gen Z efforts to demand for their rights.

After the NEC meeting, Gachagua proceeded to Kiambu town, where he urged the residents to punish Ruto’s allies in the region for going against their wishes.