President
William Ruto’s senior economic adviser, Moses Kuria, has welcomed the launch of
the Democracy for Citizens Party.
The DCP, associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is being unveiled on Wednesday in Lavington.
Kuria, a seasoned political figure,
recalled his involvement in the country’s democratic transition, saying the
moment marked a continuation of the struggle for inclusive politics.
“I actively participated in the
fight for multi-partyism and the scrapping of Section 2A. I believe in
plurality in politics. As such, I fully welcome the launch of the DCP Party,” Kuria said, using the nickname critics have given the new
party.
The party’s name emerged on Wednesday alongside reports that it will be unveiled
in Lavington, on Thursday, May 15, at 9am.
Gachagua
and his allies had remained tight-lipped about the party's name as part of a
deliberate strategy to avoid the prying eyes of state operatives.
DCP
was officially registered with the Registrar of Political Parties on February
3, 2025.
The party's colours are neon green, brown and white, and its logo features a hand
touching an ear, symbolising "listening to the ground."
The party’s slogan is Kazi na Haki (Work and Justice).
The former deputy president has built his political message around listening
to the people, whom he claims no longer subscribe to the UDA party that once
helped him and President Ruto rise to power.
Those listed as members of DCP’s governing body 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.
Gachagua is seeking to popularise his party to form a coalition with
Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP),
Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, among
others.
The unveiling of the party has
sparked debate within Kenya Kwanza circles, with some interpreting it as a
strategic move by Gachagua to consolidate political influence in the Mount Kenya
region.
Kuria could become a political headache
for Gachagua, after he declared that his Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party is back
"with a bang."
Kuria’s declaration could disrupt
Gachagua’s push for a unified political front in the Mount Kenya region.
“As we prepare to swear in the new
IEBC, this party, which was founded on August 17, 2021, is the party to watch.
By-elections looming. Battle Royale,” Kuria posted on his X account on May 11,
2025.
Gachagua has been advocating for a single political party for the Mount Kenya region, purportedly to consolidate its bargaining power and political influence at the national level.
