Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s newly launched party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has crossed the 1.8 million membership mark just two months after its formation, signaling its rapid rise in Kenya’s political landscape.
On Thursday, July 18, 2025, the DCP officially unveiled its first two candidates for upcoming parliamentary by-elections, setting the stage for a high-stakes entry into active electoral politics. This comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gears up to conduct 22 long-delayed by-elections across the country.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala presided over the launch of Aden Mohamed (Banisa Constituency) and Edgar Busiega (Malava Constituency) as the party’s pioneer aspirants during an event held at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi.
“These are young people. DCP is a party that believes in nurturing young leadership. We’ve committed resources to ensure DCP wins more than 50 per cent of the by-election seats,” Malala told reporters.
DCP Targets All 22 Upcoming By-Elections
The Banisa and Malava races were triggered by the deaths of Banisa MP Kulow Maalim Hassan in March 2023 and Malava MP Moses Injendi earlier this year. However, DCP has announced it will field candidates in all 22 upcoming by-elections, including six parliamentary seats, one Senate seat, and 15 MCA seats.
Some of the other high-profile contests include Kasipul Constituency, where MP Ongondo Were was murdered, and Ugunja Constituency, which became vacant following Opiyo Wandayi’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Energy.
“We are fielding candidates in every by-election in Kenya. We call on the IEBC to expedite the pending elections. Delay is denying Kenyans representation,” Malala said.
He also took a swipe at unnamed politicians who have hinted at election malpractice ahead of 2027.
“We have people already insinuating they will steal elections in 2027. We will petition IEBC to take action. You cannot subvert the will of the people.”
Candidates Speak on Ground Support and Defection from ODM
Aden Mohamed, who previously contested in Banisa on an ODM ticket, confirmed his shift to DCP was driven by grassroots feedback.
“In 2022, I ran on an ODM ticket. But after listening to my supporters, they told me to join DCP. I want to assure this party that Banisa will be the first seat delivered under the DCP banner,” he declared.
Malava aspirant Edgar Busiega echoed the party’s values of inclusion and youth empowerment.
“I’m a villager by nature, raised in the grassroots. DCP’s ethos resonates with me because it listens to the people. I am confident of victory.”
Gachagua’s Political Comeback Gains Momentum
The DCP’s rapid growth—reportedly reaching over 1.8 million registered members—marks a remarkable comeback for Gachagua, who was impeached eight months ago and has since rebranded himself as a champion of grassroots democracy.
Though Gachagua did not attend Thursday’s event, his presence looms large over the party’s direction. Political analysts are watching closely to see whether DCP’s momentum will translate into electoral wins and whether it could disrupt both President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance and the Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja opposition.
Political Implications
The by-elections represent an early litmus test for DCP’s national appeal ahead of the 2027 General Election. With a message focused on youth inclusion, community engagement, and electoral fairness, DCP is hoping to harness rising voter disillusionment with traditional political outfits.
Malala emphasized that DCP’s leadership is already drawing in young talent, new political voices, and former rivals seeking an alternative platform.
“The party is growing fast. In just two months, we already have more than 1.8 million members,” he said.
