Tension flared in the capital this weekend after a towering congratulatory billboard celebrating the launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) was torn down in what many are calling a politically charged act of sabotage.
The billboard, which featured former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua—popularly known as “Riggy G”—alongside Irungu Nyakera, was found wrecked and twisted in Nairobi. It had boldly read, “Hongera Riggy G on your party launch,” celebrating the party’s entry into Kenya’s dynamic political space.
Irungu Nyakera, visibly irate, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, May 17, to condemn the act, pointing fingers at unnamed forces.
“To the two illegitimate governments’ headquarters in Nairobi: You can destroy a billboard, but you cannot stop the message. Congratulations, Riggy, on DCP Launch. Agenda ni WANTAM for Kenya and Nairobi,” he wrote.
Nyakera further criticized the incident’s timing, questioning: “Politicians wa Kanairo/Kayole,—Isn’t it too early for this?”
The incident comes barely two days after Gachagua unveiled the DCP Party on May 15, painting the political scene with the party’s signature neon green, brown and white colours. The slogan “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans) and a logo depicting an ear cupped by fingers symbolized the party’s vow to center citizen voices.
DCP’s leadership team reads like a who’s-who of seasoned and emerging political players. Joining Gachagua at the helm is former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala as interim Deputy Party Leader and ex-Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi as National Organising Secretary.
Other key figures include former Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru as National Women Leader, Maina Kamanda as Chair of the Council of Eminent Persons and David Mingati as National Chairperson, supported by deputies Peter Mwathi and Sarah Owino.
Hezron Obanga will steer the party as Secretary General, with Martin Ole Kamwaro as his deputy. Anna Mutua will handle party finances as National Treasurer, supported by Evangeline Njoka and Tomwas Nyangi. Former Presidential Delivery Unit head Peter Mbae was tapped as Secretary for Economic Planning, while Wanjiku Thiga will serve as National Youth Leader.
