Teargas and running battles between police and supporters of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ensued in Kakamega as officials led by deputy party leader Cleophas Malala began the western region tour.
Kakamega is Malala’s home county.
The DCP deputy party leader was accompanied by Senators Methu Muhia of Nyandarua and Karungo Thang’wa of Kiambu, among other leaders and party officials.
In videos seen by the Star, the DCP leaders’ convoy was making its way into Kakamega town, accompanied by supporters, when they found a police vehicle that had blocked the road.
It is then that police lobbed teargas, and the party’s supporters were seen scampering for safety.
In a statement after the incident, they condemned the incident, saying that no amount of intimidation or coercion will break their resolve to liberate the country.
Malala further alleged use of live bullets by the police, insisting that the gathering was a peaceful one.
“I strongly condemn the use of brute force, live bullets and unnecessary teargas by our security agencies to disperse a peaceful procession merely welcoming home their leader," he said.
“Kenya is a Nation Governed by the rule of law, and such acts have no place in a modern, Democratic Society,” Malala said.
The western tour came ahead of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua-led party’s launch, set for June 3, 2025.
It was the party’s first major activity in the western region.
On May 15, Gachagua unveiled interim officials of his new Democracy for Citizens Party(DCP) as part of his roadmap to the 2027 general election.
He said the names had been submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties for ratification.
Among those named were former UDA and Jubilee heavyweights, including ex-UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala, who was named deputy party leader.
Former Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was named as the interim National Organising Secretary, while former Starehe MP will chair the caucus of eminent persons.
Former Laikipia Woman representative Catherine Waruguru was named as the national women leader, while David Mingati from Kajiado will be the national chairperson.
Others are:
Peter Mwathi – Deputy chairperson, Strategy (Kiambu)
Margaret Sarah Owino –Deputy chairperson, operations (Kisumu)
Wanjiku Thiga - National Youth Leader
Hezron Obanga –Interim Secretary General (Kisii)
Martin Kamwaro- Deputy Secretary General (Narok)
Anne Mutua –National Treasurer, Machakos)
Wambiru Njoka - Deputy Treasurer, Strategy
Thomas Mwita – Deputy National Treasurer (Operations)
