Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has removed Hezron Obaga as Secretary General of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and replaced him with Nyandarua Senator John Methu.
The move, announced amid growing political activity within the opposition, removes one of the party’s founding officials and elevates a close ally who has been at the forefront of defending Gachagua’s political agenda.
Hezron Obaga had been serving as the founding Secretary General of DCP since its launch in May 2025.
The abrupt removal of Obaga has raised questions about the party’s internal dynamics, given his central role since its formation.
However, there has been no public indication of a fallout or direct dispute between him and Gachagua.
Before joining DCP, Obaga was affiliated with the Jubilee Party, one of Kenya’s major political outfits.
However, he was not widely known in elective politics, suggesting his role was largely within party structures rather than as a public-facing politician.
During his tenure, he was at the centre of internal controversy during the 2025 Magarini by-election, where DCP candidate Furaha Chengo Ngumbao publicly parted ways with the party, accusing Obaga of poor communication, neglect of grassroots concerns, and failure to provide clear guidance to aspirants, leaving them to navigate the process without proper support.
His age, family background and net worth are not publicly disclosed.
Frequent Reshuffles and Leadership Changes In DCP
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has, since its formation in May 2025, been marked by constant reshuffles and recurring internal wrangles involving senior leaders, aspirants and grassroots officials.
Also Read: Gachagua Fires Hezron Obaga, Appoints Senator Methu as DCP Secretary General
Within weeks of its launch, Rigathi Gachagua initiated a sweeping reorganisation that saw several founding officials replaced, including former chairpersons and secretariat members, in what insiders described as a move to tighten control and install loyalists in key positions.
The instability soon spread to the grassroots.
In Meru County, the removal of county chairperson Timothy Kithinji and his replacement with James Mithika triggered protests, with members accusing the national leadership of imposing officials without consultation and threatening mass defections.
Similar dissatisfaction emerged in Narok, where local officials opposed the selection of Douglas Masikonde as a candidate, saying decisions were made outside the county and warning of a possible exit if the trend continued.
At the top, tensions between Gachagua and his deputy Cleophas Malala exposed deeper divisions.
The two clashed publicly over strategy, including the appointment of Mukhisa Kituyi to a key opposition role and disagreements on whether DCP should field its own candidates in by-elections, with Malala at one point skipping meetings and signalling discontent.
Further cracks emerged through nomination disputes that led to high-profile exits.
George Koimburi quit the party accusing it of “auctioning” tickets, while Jamleck Kamau stepped back from politics amid internal contests over nominations.
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In Mbeere North, candidate Duncan Mbui abandoned the party to run as an independent, citing interference and blocked ambitions.
Gachagua and Methu’s Relation
The bond has now translated into formal power within DCP, with Methu’s appointment as Secretary General.
The role places him at the centre of party operations, signalling Gachagua’s confidence in him not just as an ally, but as a trusted lieutenant capable of driving the party’s political machinery.
Politically, the two are aligned on several fronts:
- Both position themselves strongly within the Mount Kenya political bloc
- Both are part of the opposition push against President William Ruto’s administration
- Both emphasise grassroots mobilisation and youth-driven politics
Methu’s rise within DCP also reflects a broader shift by Gachagua toward rewarding loyalty and strengthening his inner circle amid ongoing internal party wrangles and restructuring.
