DCP challenges Murkomen over comments on party launch chaos
The DCP asserted that the unrest was orchestrated by state operatives as part of a broader effort to restrict democratic freedoms.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has blamed the Interior Cabinet Secretary following his claim that the violence during the party’s launch on Thursday, May 15, 2025, was triggered by a financial disagreement.
In a statement released on Friday, May 16, 2025, the DCP asserted that the unrest was orchestrated by state operatives as part of a broader effort to restrict democratic freedoms.
"We strongly condemn the incident involving goons who were sent to disrupt the unveiling of our Party at our Head Office yesterday. This shameful act is a clear indication that our political progress is unsettling our opponents," the party said.
"Kenya is a democratic country where every citizen has the constitutional right to freely associate and form political parties. There is no room for intimidation or political thuggery in our democracy," the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) stated.
The party expressed disappointment over the Interior Cabinet Secretary’s remarks suggesting that the chaos which broke out after their event was due to a financial dispute among Gachagua’s supporters.
DCP dismissed the claims as false and irresponsible.
We are equally appalled by the reckless and unfounded remarks made by CS Kipchumba Murkomen, alleging that the individuals involved were invited and promised money.
This claim is not only false but also dangerously irresponsible, echoing the same fabricated narrative pushed when hired goons attempted to disrupt a church event attended by our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua,” the DCP stated.
The party further affirmed that its members will not be cowed by state intimidation and remain steadfast in their quest to secure power in the 2027 elections.
The Democratic Change Party (DCP) has affirmed its resolve in the face of what it terms as "state-sponsored thuggery," vowing not to be shaken or diverted from its agenda of pushing for a united and progressive Kenya.
"Let it be clear—we will not bow to intimidation or chaos funded by our detractors. Our focus remains firmly on delivering a better, cohesive nation. Wantam (One term) is not just a slogan—it’s our reality," the party declared.
These sentiments emerged shortly after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua decried the chaos that marred the party’s launch, accusing government forces of orchestrating a pattern of interference in his political functions.
"Quit sending hired goons to harass me, my loved ones, and my supporters. We are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as any other Kenyan. Be man enough to accept that you've lost the people’s trust—gracefully bow out and move on," Gachagua said in a strongly worded statement on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
During a press briefing on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that initial investigations suggest financial disputes were at the heart of the chaos witnessed during the launch of the political party.
He further disclosed that the police had not been notified or invited to provide security for the event.
"Our National Police Service is investigating the incident to establish exactly what transpired during the launch. So far, there’s no indication that the police were informed about the gathering to enable them to offer adequate security," Murkomen said.
"Findings also show that some supporters who attended the event were expecting to be paid, and clashes over these anticipated payments triggered the scuffle that sadly resulted in a stampede," he added.
