There were gunshots at the launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s unveiling his much-anticipated political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, happened moments after Gachagua’s entourage left the venue of the event alongside other senior Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) officials.
However, police officers who were on high alert quickly intervened and began shooting into the air to disperse the crowd, which had gathered to witness the former DP’s exit.
Videos of the incident showed a person believed to be a police officer holding a gun and shooting at the air as the crowd rushed towards the gate.
During the occurrence, the former DP’s fleet was forced to temporarily stop as the police intensified their efforts to quell the chaos. However, after about five minutes, the tensions subsided.
Police said they are investigating the incident.
Preliminary investigations had shown the incident happened after goons invaded.
Gachagua, on Thursday, May 15, formally launched his long-anticipated Democracy for the Citizens Party alongside his political allies at the party headquarters in Nairobi.
Gachagua said that he has spent the last six months at his home holding consultations to help shape his political party.
He noted that his party has been forged on the backdrop of the need to provide better leadership for Kenyans and pull them out of the long-standing problems of poor governance.
“Kenyans have boldly told us they have a solution to the problems facing them. Kenyans have asked us to start a party which will form a government by the people for the people,” he noted. He added that the DCP party has no preferred candidates and will prioritize the voices of Kenyans, hence the party slogan “Skiza Wakenya” which means “Listen to Kenyans”.
The ex-DP added that the party is keen on inclusivity and has on boarded representatives from all groups across the country, including the Gen Zs.
The party’s symbol is a hand holding an ear, symbolizing the act of listening to netizens, with its official colors being green, red, white and black.
A close ally of Gachagua, Cleophas Malala, has been named as the interim Deputy Party leader, while David Mingati will be the Chairperson.
Other notable politicians have also been awarded roles in the new outfit among them former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi to be the National Organizing Secretary, Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru as the National Women’s Leader and Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi to be the Deputy Party chair of strategy.
Hesbon Obanga will be Secretary General, Hannah Mutua (Treasurer), Andrew Kiplimo Muge (Director of Elections), Maina Kamanda (Chairperson of the Council of Eminent Persons) and Alex Khamasi (National Coordinator-Counties).
Others include Mercy Gakuya as Secretary for Education, Hussein Athmani as Secretary for Tourism and John Maraga to represent PWDs.
Gachagua noted he will officially launch the party on June 4 ahead of his planned 2-year nationwide tour to woo Kenyans for his support and spread his popularity.
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