Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly unveiled political party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has already begun taking firm action only hours after its official launch.
On Thursday, May 15, the party made it clear that truth and honesty will be core values going forward.
Speaking shortly after the event, Cleophas Malala, who was announced as the interim Deputy Party Leader of DCP, warned all party members that anyone caught spreading lies to the public would face suspension. He stressed that the party will not tolerate any dishonesty.
“You can be suspended if you are caught telling lies. We are not interested in people who lie. This party is allergic to lies,” Malala said.
He added that DCP will be built on principles of truthfulness, transparency, and accountability, which he claimed were missing in his previous political party.
Without directly naming the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where he previously served as Secretary General, Malala took a veiled swipe, accusing it of being too tolerant of dishonesty. “As you may know, I was in the other party.
There is a culture of lying in that party,” he said. “Our party stands for speaking the truth. That’s our philosophy.”
Malala’s appointment as Deputy Party Leader came as no surprise to many, especially after his recent fallout with UDA.
The disagreement became public in April when he directed a controversial school drama that sparked widespread debate. That controversy is believed to have contributed to his ousting from the UDA leadership.
In August 2024, Malala was removed from his role as UDA Secretary General during a National Executive Council meeting chaired by UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire.
He was replaced by former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar. Since then, Malala has been working behind the scenes, re-aligning himself politically and now appears to have found a new political home in Gachagua’s movement.
The structure of the newly formed DCP features several well-known political figures. Besides Malala serving as the interim Deputy Party Leader, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and ex-Meru Senator Mithika Linturi has been appointed as the National Organising Secretary.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru has taken up the role of National Women Leader, while veteran politician and former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda will head the Council of Eminent Persons within the party.
David Mingati has been named the party’s National Chairperson, with Peter Mwathi and Sarah Owino serving as his deputies in charge of Strategy and Operations, respectively.
While addressing the press on Thursday, Malala also announced plans for a much larger official launch of the party.
This major event is scheduled for June 4 and will be open to the public. He extended an open invitation to all Kenyans, regardless of their background, to attend and learn more about DCP’s vision for the country.
“This is a party for all Kenyans, and we believe in inclusivity,” Malala stated. “I want to invite people from all walks of life to come and be part of our official launch on June 4. Everyone is welcome.”
The Democracy for the Citizens Party has started off with a bold message — that it will not be business as usual.
With its early warnings and emphasis on integrity, DCP is positioning itself as a political alternative focused on honesty, accountability, and genuine public service.
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