In a strongly worded late-night address on Thursday, 15 May , 2025, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating disruptions at the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) launch held earlier that day.
The event, which was set to mark the official unveiling of the DCP as a political platform focused on governance reforms and national unity, was marred by unexpected chaos, including interruptions from unruly individuals and alleged state interference.
Speaking from his Nairobi residence past midnight, Gachagua condemned what he termed as “state-sponsored sabotage,” squarely placing the blame on Ruto’s administration for undermining democratic freedoms and political competition.
“What we witnessed today at the DCP launch was not just disrespect to the party, but an affront to our constitution and the democratic gains we’ve made as a nation,” Gachagua said in his address.
The former Deputy President, who has in recent months distanced himself from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leadership, alleged that security agencies acted on instructions from high-ranking government officials to disrupt the event.
He further claimed that several DCP organizers had been intimidated in the run-up to the launch, with some reportedly detained briefly without charge.
The DCP launch, which drew a sizeable crowd of supporters, had been anticipated as a major political statement from Gachagua, widely seen as positioning himself for a possible 2027 presidential bid.
The disruptions have since sparked debate within political circles, with opposition leaders calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
Despite the turmoil, Gachagua vowed to continue championing democratic space and political inclusivity. “No amount of intimidation will deter us from pushing for a new political culture rooted in accountability and citizen empowerment,” he concluded.
The Office of the President has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. However, sources within State House have dismissed the claims as “unfounded and politically motivated.”
