Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and interim deputy party leader Cleophas Malala during the launch of the party in Lavington, Nairobi, May 15, 2025. /CLEOPHAS MALALA/XInterim Deputy Party leader of the newly launched Democracy for Citizens Party, Cleophas Malala, now says Kenyans have a party that's ready to listen to them.
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) - officially registered on February 3, 2025, with the Registrar of Political Parties - was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, who steered the unveiling, said the party's slogan is "Kazi na Haki" (Work and Justice) and "Skiza Wakenya" (Listen to Kenyans).
In a statement on X, Malala said Kenyans now have a party that will listen to all their grievances.
"It is done. Now Kenyans finally have a party that is ready to listen to their needs, aspirations, and expectations. This remains the rubric behind the formation of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Our clarion call remains; Skiza Wakenya. Sasa kazi ianze (Let the work begin)."
Gachagua emphasised that the DCP is designed to be a national party rooted in inclusivity, with leadership roles distributed across different regions and demographic groups-including Gen Z representation.
The launch, coming months after multiple postponments, marks a huge milestone in Kenya's politics as opposition leaders mull over the formation of a coalition to front a single candidate at the 2027 general elections with the sole aim of making Ruto a one-term President.
The unveiling of the DCP has sparked debate within the ruling Kenya Kwanza and is viewed as a strategic effort by Gachagua to consolidate his base and prepare for the 2027 duel.
A section of leaders have welcomed the launch, including Moses Kuria, President Ruto’s senior economic adviser, who termed it as a continuation of Kenya’s democratic evolution and political plurality.
In a move seen as strategic, the unveiling of the DCP prompted Kuria to revive his own Chama Cha Kazi party, signaling potential realignments in the Mt Kenya region.
While the DCP is positioned as a national outfit, it is seen as a vehicle to consolidate political influence in the vote-rich region, especially after Gachagua’s fallout with President Ruto.
Gachagua cited the need for better leadership and a platform that genuinely listens to the needs of Kenyans, criticising the UDA for deviating from its founding principles and failing the people.
He resigned on Monday from UDA and has his eyes trained on forging alliances with key opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i.
DCP's main colours are neon green, brown and white.
Its logo is a hand touching (or holding) an ear, symbolising attentiveness to grassroots concerns and the principle of "listening to the ground" or "listening to Kenyans".
