Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has dismissed the newly launched Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying it carries no political weight.
Speaking in Eldoret, Cherargei said the DCP had started off on the wrong note by presenting itself as a party representing only one region, and insisted it posed no threat to President William Ruto’s political dominance.
“DCP is like the majority of political parties in this country—tribal and built around individuals. It has no capacity whatsoever to shake President Ruto’s political base,” he said.
Cherargei accused Gachagua and his allies of stoking tribal divisions and misleading Kenyans, adding that the President remains politically strong in Mt Kenya and across the country.
He also questioned how DCP had been registered as a political party, claiming it does not meet the legal requirement of having functional offices in at least 25 counties.
“Only ODM and UDA meet that requirement. We will be demanding that the registrar of political parties deregister all non-compliant outfits,” Cherargei said.
The Former Deputy President on Thursday morning officially unveiled his long-anticipated political party.
At the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua arrived with his supporters and allied leaders to present the new political vehicle he intends to use to challenge President William Ruto.
“We finally have a political party that belongs to everyone. Our party slogan is: Please listen to Kenyans,” said Gachagua
He emphasised that leaders must always prioritise the voices of ordinary citizens. “As you know, I have always been a people’s person, listening to Kenyans from all corners of the country. I will spend the next two years travelling and engaging with citizens,” he said.
“We believe as a party that every Kenyan must be listened to by their leaders. This listening must not just be listening for the sake of it,” he added.
Gachagua stated that after his nationwide listening tour, he would craft the party’s manifesto.
According to him, the new party embraces inclusivity, representing youth, the marginalised, persons with disabilities, and all other segments of society.
He disclosed that aspirants from across the country had already expressed interest in joining the party. “I want to assure all our aspirants that we have no preferred candidates. It is the people of Kenya who will choose their leaders.”
“This party has no favourites, no direct nominations. This party believes in Let the People Decide.”
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has since embarked on a countrywide recruitment drive, urging Kenyans to join the political outfit.
The party is projecting a sharp rise in its membership numbers, with expectations to exceed five million members by the end of next week.
Organising Secretary Mithika Linturi, speaking on Friday, said the surge signals a growing wave of support that could soon make DCP the largest political party in Kenya.
"We expect to Surpass five million members by the end of next week. Given the level of Interest we are receiving, DCP Party is going to be the biggest political party in Kenya by membership within the next few months." said Linturi.
