Gunfire, chaos, pomp and colour as Gachagua launches DCP to challenge Ruto

There was a mix of bright colours, excitement and disorder as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua officially launched his new political party, the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP).

The launch came months after he was pushed out of government and had promised to make a political comeback.

DCP's launch took place at the party’s brand-new offices in Lavington, and it felt like something out of a movie.

Things turned ugly when a group of men stormed the DCP headquarters, forcing Gachagua's security team had to fire several gunshots in the air to scare them away. Soon, rival groups began throwing stones at each other. Some people got hurt, with a few seen bleeding and needing help.

Despite the chaos, the place was filled with beauty and colour with shades of brown, white and neon green, which were also seen on flags and clothes worn by guests.

Gachagua wore a sharp red Kaunda suit and walked in with his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, who wore a neat lime green skirt suit with fine decorations.

The red carpet was rolled out on the stage, and two large LED screens stood on both sides. The screens were brightly lit and showed the party’s slogan, "Skiza Wakenya" (which means Listen to Kenyans).

Green scarves were worn by party leaders and special guests, matching the party flags flying around the compound.

The event also saw the release of two campaign songs, one in English and one in Kiswahili. The songs were created to excite supporters and push the party’s main ideas of better leadership, fair governance, and standing with the ordinary Kenyan.

In the Kiswahili song, singers shouted: "Komboa payslip, Okoa Wakenya, Unganisha Kenya!"
(Free the payslip, Save Kenyans, Unite Kenya!)

Another line went:
"Skiza Wakenya! DCP ni mwamko mpya, utaboresha afya na itaokoa payslip!"
(Listen to Kenyans! DCP is a fresh start, it will improve healthcare and rescue your salary!)

When he finally spoke, Gachagua told the crowd he had spent the last six months quietly at home, meeting with many people, and planning what he called a movement for real change.

“Kenyans have clearly told us they know how to solve the problems they face,” he said. “They’ve asked us to start a party that will build a government made by the people and for the people.”

He added that DCP would not choose favourite candidates. Instead, the party would focus on the people’s voice and give more power to the grassroots, following their call:
“Skiza Wakenya” – Listen to Kenyans.