By Kamadi Amata
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially launched his new political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), at a colourful event held at the party’s headquarters on Musa Gitau Road, Lavington, Nairobi, on May 15, 2025.
The launch marked a significant political turning point as Gachagua sets his sights on the 2027 general elections, positioning DCP as a people-centered alternative to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), from which he resigned on May 12.
Themed around the party’s slogan Skiza Wakenya (Listen to Kenyans), the event featured the unveiling of two rallying songs—one in Kiswahili and the other in English—highlighting key issues such as economic liberation, fair leadership, and restoring dignity to the Kenyan worker.
One Kiswahili anthem passionately called on Kenyans to unite and resist oppressive policies:
“Komboa payslip, Okoa Wakenya, Unganisha Kenya!”
Another verse echoed the party’s reformist spirit:
“Skiza Wakenya! waende kabisa! DCP ni mwamko mpya, utaboresha afya na itaokoa payslip ya Wakenya, itamliza ufisadi, uongozi wa kuaminika tunaskiza Wakenya!”
Unlike UDA’s 2021 launch, which leaned heavily on Christian hymns, DCP’s musical approach blends secular and gospel influences to connect with everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens.
One chant from the energized crowd declared:
“Uongozi wa kuaminika, tunaskiza Wakenya! DCP inaunganisha Wakenya wote na ni chama cha Wakenya wote!”
Another song carried a poetic message of political devotion:
“Maisha yangu ni wewe, hata kama sina pesa, maisha yangu ni wewe yawe!”
In his speech, Gachagua emphasized DCP’s commitment to inclusivity and listening to grassroots voices. “The party aligns with the aspirations of the Mt Kenya people and beyond. Its cardinal rule is simple—we listen to the ground,” he said.
He dismissed tribalism claims, stating that DCP’s leadership reflects national diversity. “I’ve appointed officials from all over the country, not just Mt Kenya. Those calling me a tribalist will be shocked,” he said during a May 12 interview with Egesa FM.
The party’s official colours are green, brown, and black, and its logo—a hand touching an ear—symbolizes its commitment to active listening and responsive governance. Its official slogan is Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice).
Members of DCP’s governing council include Thomas Ratemo, Ado Yiembo, Mably Owino, Hussein Athman, Laura Njeri, Abdifatah Abdullahi, Joy Gatugi, Jeremiah Mong’eri, Joel Sang, John Maranga, Miriam Fredina Mariki, and Brenda Banjira Omusinda.
With the party now formally launched, Gachagua begins the next phase of consolidating support across the country as he prepares for a fierce political contest in 2027.
