The launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has been abruptly called off again.
The event, initially slated to take place at the Kasarani Sports stadium along Thika Road, has been blocked last minute.
According to Gachagua’s ally and former PS Irungu Nyakera, the venue has been lost as a result of government interference.
Despite the repeated setbacks, Gachagua’s camp is undeterred.
“The DCP party launch that was to be held on Thika Road has been called off, awaiting a new venue and date. But let it be known that you can deny us a venue, but you cannot deny us our voice. We will rise,” stated Nyakera.
This is the second time the launch of the party, seen by many as a platform for Gachagua’s growing political ambitions, has been thwarted. The previous attempt to unveil the DCP was similarly disrupted under vague and unofficial circumstances.
Also Read: Gachagua Replaces Top Party Officials Days After Party Launch
Govt Cancels First Launch of DCP Party
Earlier, the party reported that the government abruptly cancelled its confirmed booking at the Kasarani Indoor Arena scheduled for June 4, 2025.
In a letter dated May 21, Sports Kenya revoked the booking, arguing that there was a prior reservation made by sports teams and upcoming preparations for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) CHAN 2025 tournament.
“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,” the letter read in part.
On Friday, May 30, Gachagua confirmed that he had already booked the venue and that the only pending requirement for the big day was payment of the Ksh3.8 million user bill for the Kasarani Gymnasium.
The former DP expected about 5,000 people to attend the launch.
Also Read: Logo, Slogan and Details of DCP, Gachagua’s New Party
Bill Gachagua is Expected to Pay for the Stadium
On the other hand, Gachagua revealed that the gymnasium billed him Ksh3,706,800 for the event.
The bill included the hire of the Indoor Arena at Ksh1,392,000, exclusive branding at Ksh250,000, a catering levy at Ksh348,000, and hire of the presidential suite at Ksh116,000.
Furthermore, the DCP was expected to pay for four Very Important Persons (VIP) suites at Ksh371,200, as well as the kitchenette area for Ksh69,600.
Cleaning charges were been billed at Ksh290,000, while the party was also expected to pay Ksh174,000 for the exhibition area.
Activation for live coverage was charged at Ksh696,000, and additional charges included the use of floodlights at Ksh30,000 per hour.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
