Chaos as goons disrupt Gachagua’s DCP Party launch in Nairobi

Chaos and dramatic scenes played out this morning after tens of goons invaded the much awaited unveiling of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party in Lavington, Nairobi.

The unrest spiraled out of control forcing police to shoot in the air to disperse the highly charged youths as they unsuccessfully attempted to storm into the venue.

Trouble began shortly after Gachagua had delivered his speech and announced the names of party officials.

Rowdy individuals, believed to be goons, tried to storm the venue with the apparent intent to disrupt the proceedings, which had come to a close.

The situation escalated as security personnel, who were stationed at the venue, quickly responded by firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

Tensions soared as some of the goons, who were cornered during the commotion, were reportedly assaulted while party officials were swiftly escorted to safety.

Video footage from the scene captured a police officer holding a gun and firing into the air as the crowd surged towards the exit gate.

Despite the chaos, Gachagua’s convoy was temporarily halted as security forces worked to control the situation.

However, after about five minutes, the unrest began to subside. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with preliminary reports confirming that the disturbance was caused by the goons who invaded the venue.

Earlier, Gachagua, alongside his political allies, formally launched the Democracy for Citizens Party at its Nairobi headquarters.

Speaking at the party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, Gachagua said that he has spent the last six months at his home holding consultations to help shape his political party.

He noted that his party has been forged on the backdrop of the need to provide better leadership for Kenyans and pull them out of the long-standing problems of poor governance.

“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.

He added that the DCP party has no preferred candidates and will prioritize the voices of Kenyans, hence the party slogan “Skiza Wakenya” which means “Listen to Kenyans”.

The ex-DP added that the party is keen on inclusivity and has on-boarded representatives from all groups across the country, including the Gen Zs.

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.

A close ally of Gachagua, Cleophas Malala, has been named as the interim Deputy Party leader, while David Mingati will be the Chairperson.

Former Meru Senator and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will take on the role of National Organising Secretary.

Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru has been appointed National Women Leader, while former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda will chair the Council of Eminent Persons within the DCP.

Mingati will be supported by Peter Mwathi and Sarah Owino, who will be responsible for Strategy and Operations, respectively.

Hezron Obanga has been named Secretary General, with Martin Ole Kamwaro as his deputy. The role of National Treasurer will be held by Anna Mutua, assisted by Evangeline Njoka and Tomwas Nyangi.

Reflecting on the party’s formation, Gachagua shared that he had spent the past six months consulting from home, working to shape the vision for his party.

“Our mission is to provide better leadership for Kenyans and to tackle the long-standing issues of poor governance,” he stated during the launch.