DCP clarifies party symbol after village dispute over which ear to touch
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has revealed that its leader, Rigathi Gachagua, was forced to convene an urgent meeting with villagers in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, after heated clashes erupted over the party’s newly unveiled symbol.
In a post on X on Friday, May 16, 2025, the party revealed that the confusion unfolded just hours after the official launch of the party on Thursday, May 15, 2025, in the colourful ceremony that was held in Lavington, Nairobi.
“On the afternoon of the unveiling of our party, Democracy for the Citizens Party, yesterday in Nairobi, there was a fiery debate and a friendly fight in my Wamunyoro village.”
The party added that as the new political movement took its first steps onto the national stage, residents back in Gachagua’s home village found themselves sharply divided, as they could not conclude whether the party’s symbol is represented by touching the left or right ear.
“The villagers couldn’t agree whether the party symbol is expressed by touching the left or right ear.”
The situation, initially dismissed as light-hearted banter, quickly escalated into a spirited and emotional exchange, with locals passionately arguing their positions.
In response, concerned village elders, fearing that the tension might spill into the weekend, summoned the party leader to offer immediate clarification.
The party then disclosed that after the disagreement, their leader, Rigathi Gachagua, convened a gathering with all the villagers on Friday, May 17, 2025, where he clarified that the party’s emblem is demonstrated by touching the right ear, not the left.
“The elders, afraid of further escalation into the weekend, summoned me at night on a diplomatic mission and clarification. In the esteem I hold my elders, and the listening philosophy of our party, I have this morning, in the company of Hon. Njeri Maina and Hon. Mathenge, met the representatives of the village and clarified that it is the right EAR,” the party added in their X post.
The gathering took place at Gachagua’s residence in Wamunyoro, and in the X post, villagers together with leaders such as MP Njeri Maina and Hon. Mathenge were pictured seated in a circle, attentively listening to Gachagua, who was speaking from the centre.
Announces grand launch
At the occasion, Gachagua also expressed admiration for how warmly the locals had embraced his new party as their own, and affirmed that he would continue engaging in dialogue with the community, as this remains one of the party’s core principles.
“I deeply respect the elders of Wamunyoro and value the enthusiasm shown by the people. In our party, we believe in dialogue and clarity. I have therefore met with community leaders this morning to affirm that the correct gesture is touching the right ear,” he stated.
The DCP leader further used the opportunity to brief the villagers on the party’s broader vision and its upcoming grand national launch, which is set to take place on June 4, 2025.
According to Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party intends to present a fresh alternative rooted in citizen engagement, decentralised leadership, and a commitment to real issues affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“I further briefed them on the political happenings in the country and the 4th June 2025 grand launch of the DCP party,” the X post concluded.
