Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has sharply condemned the violence that marred the launch of Rigathi Gachagua’s new political party, calling it a threat to Kenya’s democratic foundations.

Speaking just moments after rowdy youth disrupted the high-profile event with gunshots and chaos, Kindiki issued a firm statement demanding political tolerance and maturity in the country’s public discourse.

“Our country must exercise democratic tolerance and embrace issue-based politics,” Kindiki stated. “Insults, violence and divisive rhetoric as a means of processing political differences of opinion have no place in our society.”

The chaotic scenes at the venue sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with analysts and citizens alike questioning the growing tension within Kenya’s political elite. While details of the shooters’ identity remain unclear, the incident has already sparked renewed debate over political intimidation and freedom of assembly.

Kindiki warned that such acts could derail national cohesion and undermine years of democratic progress.

“We owe to the current and future generations a nation built on peace, peaceful coexistence and respect for one another even when we disagree on issues of policy,” he said.

Gachagua, who has recently re-emerged as a vocal opposition political figure, unveiled the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) as his new vehicle to crisscross the murky waters of Kenya’s politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the launch at the party headquarters along Musa Gitau Rd, Lavington, Nairobi, Gachagua revealed that the party’s symbol was ‘Sikiza Wakenya’, “but Kenyans can always interchange it with ‘Sikiza Ground’”. He also said that DCP’s symbol is a ‘listening ear’, “because we believe every Kenyan must be listened to by their leaders.”

Gachagua was quick to point out that the DCP had been forged after a careful deliberation and consultations across the country, with an objective to provide better leadership for Kenyans and provide good governance.

“Kenyans have boldly told us they have a solution to the problems facing them. Kenyans have asked us to start a party which will form a government by the people for the people,” he noted.

It was shortly after this launch that violence erupted, overshadowing an otherwise critical juncture of his political career.