DCP party issues fresh update on party launch after Kasarani Indoor Arena denial
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has confirmed that it will proceed with its official launch later this month, despite its earlier booking for the Kasarani Indoor Arena being cancelled.
Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, while addressing the press on Tuesday, June 3, after the NEC meeting, which was chaired by the party leader Rigathi Gachagua, stated that the venue management had abruptly cancelled the party’s planned launch, which was set to take place today at Kasarani.
Malala noted that following the cancellation, the party has begun searching for an alternative venue that will be suitable for the scale of the event.
He announced that a special committee has been established to scout for a venue that can comfortably accommodate their expected number of attendees.
According to Malala, the party is anticipating a crowd of between 40,000 and 50,000 people. He stated that the DCP’s event is not just a typical political launch, and therefore, the choice of venue must reflect the party’s vision and the scale of support it commands.
He disclosed that several strategic friends of the party have already offered alternative venues. The committee, he said, will consider factors such as capacity and available amenities before submitting a report that will guide the final decision. The party will then communicate the new launch details to its members.
“We have strategic friends who have offered various venues. We have set up a committee to look into that because the number of delegates we are inviting is large — we are expecting between 40,000 to 50,000 people. This is not going to be an ordinary launch; it will be a launch of the people.
“We are considering capacity and amenities, and the committee we have established will come up with a report. In due course, we will communicate to our members,” Malala said.
Malala accused the government of being behind the cancellation of the initial booking, terming it an act of political interference aimed at frustrating the growth of DCP. He described the government’s move as a sign of paranoia in the face of rising support for the party.
Despite the setback, Malala affirmed the party’s resolve to push ahead with its plans and deliver what he called a historic launch.
He assured party supporters that the preparations are on track and that a new date and venue will be announced soon.
Earlier launch
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) had its planned launch event at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi cancelled.
The event, initially scheduled for June 4, 2025, was rescheduled to June 3 after Sports Kenya advised the change.
Despite the DCP paying over Ksh3.7 million for the venue, Sports Kenya cancelled the booking indefinitely, citing preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Gachagua and DCP officials, including Secretary General Hezron Obaga and interim Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala, condemned the cancellation as an affront to democracy, accusing the government of sabotaging their plans due to the party’s growing popularity.
