Gachagua blocked from launching DCP at Kasarani stadium on June 4th

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been blocked from launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, which was slated for June 4, 2025.

“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025) to be hosted within the complex,” read the letter dated May 21 from Sports Kenya.

DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the cancellation, terming it an “affront to democracy” and linking it to what it calls growing state interference.

The party cited recent chaos witnessed during its unveiling earlier this month, claiming that the party has been targeted.

“The indefinite venue cancellation by Sports Kenya is an affront to democracy and an attempt to deter the DCP party launch by the government. The Kasarani gymnasium facility (indoor arena auditorium) is a public facility which every Kenyan has a right to access and utilise for the public good,” stated Obaga.

“We strongly condemn the aggression directed towards the DCP party, particularly during our party unveiling on 15th May 2025 at the party headquarters, and again on Saturday, 24th May 2025 in Kakamega, where the deputy party leader and members of our party were harassed by the police and other security agencies.”

The party has since postponed its launch and is now seeking a private venue to host the event.

“We regret to announce to our members and supporters across the country that our party launch set for June 3, 2025, has been postponed. Once a suitable venue is secured, a new date will be set and communicated accordingly," DCP noted.

According to the party, Sports Kenya had initially agreed on a date and even advised the party to move its event to June 3, 2025. The party complied and received an invoice of Kshs. 3,706,800.00, confirming the booking for June 3, but the government made an abrupt cancellation on May 21.

“We accepted the offer for 3rd June 2025 and were issued with an invoice to proceed and make the payment,” said DCP in its statement.

“The management cancelled our booking indefinitely. They categorically stated that the venue would not be available on 3rd June 2025 or any other date in the near future and that we should seek an alternative venue.