Kenya’s ever-simmering political cauldron just got a fresh and fiery ingredient tossed in — Rigathi Gachagua, the embattled former Deputy President, has stepped into the ring with his own political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). 

Branded in bold neon green and white — colours that Gachagua says represent renewal, transparency, and inclusivity — the party carries the slogan "Skiza Wakenya", or "Listen to Kenyans", a direct challenge to President William Ruto’s “Kazi ni Kazi” mantra under the UDA banner.

Unveiling the new party on Thursday at the DCP headquarters in Nairobi’s upscale Lavington suburb, Gachagua declared he is not here to play second fiddle anymore. After six months of silence and “deep consultation” at his Nyeri home, popularly known as Wamuyoro the former DP says he’s returned with a mission — to offer Kenyans an alternative vision and pull the country out of the quagmire of poor governance.

Is this the beginning of a political insurrection? Could Gachagua be crafting the storm that ends Ruto’s reign at one term? Kenya watches, intrigued — and even perhaps divided — as the stage is set for what may be the country’s most dramatic power struggle yet.

"I made a promise to you, that in the month of May I would unveil a new political party whose philosophy resonates with you. As you all know, I'm a truthful and honest man, I keep my promises…We finally have a political party that belongs to all of us; where every Kenyan is treated equally," he said.

According to former deputy president, the DCP party has no preferred candidates and has onboarded representatives from all groups across the country, including the Gen Zs and will prioritize the voices of Kenyans, hence the party slogan,"Skiza Wakenya"

"Kenyans have boldly told us they have a solution to the problems facing them. Kenyans have asked us to start a party which will form a government by the people for the people," he noted.

Notably, the party's symbol is a hand holding an ear, symbolizing the act of listening to netizens, with its official colors being green, red, white and black.

"As a party we believe every Kenyan should be listened to by their leaders. This listening must not just be listening for the sake of it. It must be deliberate, planned, have a purpose and it must be sustainable."

Gachagua also promised that the party’s leadership would never let Kenyans feel neglected or left out. He said, "At no given time in our leadership shall Kenyans be left behind or remain unheard."

Gachagua also announced the officials to the party, including politicians Cleophas Malala who is the interim Deputy Party leader, David Mingati as the Chairperson, while former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi is to be the National Organizing Secretary, Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru the National Women's Leader and Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi as the Deputy Party chair of strategy.

Other officials include Hesbon Obanga as the Secretary General, Hannah Mutua asTreasurer and Andrew Kiplimo Muge to be the Director of Elections. Chairperson of the Council of Eminent Persons is Maina Kamanda whereas the National Coordinator-Counties has been named as Alex Khamasi. Mercy Gakuya will be the Secretary for Education, Hussein Athmani Secretary for Tourism and John Maraga is to represent people with disabilities.

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