State blames Gachagua’s "unpaid" supporters for chaos at DCP party launch, says police weren't notified
CS Murkomen claimed that the violence was sparked by a dispute among some of Gachagua’s supporters over unpaid dues.
The government has refuted claims circulating online that it hired goons to disrupt the launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the chaotic incident, which left several journalists injured, occurred without the knowledge or involvement of the National Police Service (NPS).
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Murkomen claimed that the violence was sparked by a dispute among some of Gachagua’s supporters over unpaid dues.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the supporters were expecting to be paid, and as a result of fighting for those resources, there was a melee which led to a stampede and some of the journalists covering the event were injured,” Murkomen said.
The launch, held at the party’s headquarters along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington, Nairobi, on Thursday, was marred by chaos shortly after its commencement. Reports indicated that Gachagua’s security team fired shots in the air to disperse a rowdy group that attempted to forcefully access the premises.
In response to the chaos, Murkomen insisted that the government had no hand in the incident and urged political leaders to engage the police ahead of any public gathering to ensure the safety of both attendees and the press.
“People in civilian clothing drew their guns and fired in the air. Investigations are ongoing to establish who they are and what they did. But what is of significance is that we ask all leaders, regardless of their political affiliation, to seek the services of NPS when they are having public events to secure and protect the public,” he said.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to the chaos that erupted during the launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 15, 2025
Murkomen: There was no indication that the National Police Service were notified about this meeting so that they could provide proper… pic.twitter.com/SOi7vc5EAF
The Interior CS also noted that the police had not been informed about the party launch.
“Our National Police Service is carrying out proper investigations to see what happened when those political leaders were launching their party. As I have enquired from NPS, there is no indication that they were notified of this meeting so that they can provide proper security,” he said.
In a veiled swipe at Gachagua, Murkomen also urged political leaders to manage payments to their supporters in a structured and lawful way.
“Even when they are paying their supporters, because it’s allowed by law, they should do it in an organised manner,” he said.
During the event, Gachagua announced that the DCP will be officially launched on June 4, ahead of a planned two-year countrywide tour aimed at building national support for the party.
He also encouraged Kenyans to begin registering with the new political outfit.
The party’s symbol features a hand holding an ear, representing its commitment to listening to the voices of ordinary citizens. Its official colours are green, red, white and black.
Among those appointed to leadership roles is Gachagua’s close ally and former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala, who has been named interim Deputy Party Leader. David Mingati will serve as the party’s Chairperson.
Several other seasoned politicians have also secured key positions in the party.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi will serve as the National Organising Secretary, while former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru has been appointed the National Women’s Leader. Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi will serve as Deputy Party Chair in charge of strategy.
The role of Secretary General has been assigned to Hesbon Obanga, with Hannah Mutua as Treasurer and Andrew Kiplimo Muge as Director of Elections. Veteran politician Maina Kamanda will chair the Council of Eminent Persons, and Alex Khamasi has been named National Coordinator for Counties.
Other appointees include Mercy Gakuya as Secretary for Education, Hussein Athmani as Secretary for Tourism and former Chief Justice David Maraga to represent Persons with Disabilities.
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