Gachagua party launch postponed after Sports Kenya revoked Kasarani booking
In response, the DCP condemned the cancellation, describing it as “an affront to democracy” and accused the government of attempting to frustrate its party launch.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has postponed its official launch, initially set for June 3, 2025, after Sports Kenya cancelled its booking of the Kasarani Indoor Arena Auditorium, citing prior commitments and preparations for the upcoming CHAN 2025 tournament.
In a letter dated May 21, 2025, Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora said the facility was unavailable and urged the party to seek an alternative venue.
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“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025) to be hosted within the complex,” reads the letter.
“Kindly consider looking for an alternative venue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we take this opportunity to thank you for your request to utilise the facility.”
In response, the DCP condemned the cancellation, describing it as “an affront to democracy” and accused the government of attempting to frustrate its party launch.
“The indefinite venue cancellation by Sports Kenya is an affront to democracy and an attempt to deter the DCP Party Launch by the Government. The Kasarani Gymnasium Facility (Indoor Arena Auditorium) is a Public Facility which every Kenyan has a right to access and utilise for the public good,” the Party’s Secretary General, Hezron Obaga, said.
The party explained that it had written to Sports Kenya on May 20, 2025, requesting to book the Kasarani Indoor Arena Auditorium for the launch on June 4.
The following day, on May 21, Sports Kenya advised the party that June 4 was unavailable and instead offered June 3. According to the party, the management went ahead and confirmed the new date, issuing Invoice No. SK/P1/399 VOL VII/39 and billing the party Sh3,706,800 for use of the facility.
The DCP then accepted the proposed change and proceeded with the booking based on the invoice. However, later that same day, Sports Kenya issued a follow-up communication under reference number SK/BOG/04 VOLXIX/101, cancelling the booking indefinitely and stating that the venue would not be available on June 3 or any other date in the near future.
Obaga referenced previous incidents where the party faced difficulties, noting that the cancellation was not an isolated case but part of a broader pattern of obstruction.
“We strongly condemn the aggression directed towards the DCP Party, particularly during our party unveiling on May 15, 2025 at the party headquarters, and again on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Kakamega, where the Deputy Party Leader and members of our party were harassed by the police and other security agencies,” he said.
He announced that a later date for the launch would be communicated once an alternative venue was secured.
“We are in the process of identifying a suitable venue in a private facility, as it is clear that the government will not allow DCP to use its facilities. Once a suitable venue is secured, a new date will be set and communicated accordingly. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused,” Obaga said.
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