The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has dismissed claims of possible violence during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s visit to Kiambu on Friday, insisting preparations for the official opening of the party’s county offices have been completed and that supporters are ready for a peaceful event.
Speaking at the DCP offices in Kiambu Town on Thursday, Kiambu County DCP coordinator Sovingar Wa Bibiana said hundreds of party supporters and aspirants are expected to attend the launch, which he described as a significant milestone in strengthening the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We have finalized all the preparations and there is great excitement across Kiambu. Our supporters are ready to receive our party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, and officially open the county office,” he said.
Wa Bibiana said the event would bring together aspirants seeking various elective positions, from Members of County Assembly to the governor’s seat, saying the office would serve as the party’s coordination centre in the county.
“The office will organize the affairs of the party and support our aspirants as we prepare for the next elections,” he said.
The county coordinator, however, took issue with remarks by Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha, who had warned of possible unrest during the visit.
He dismissed the claims as unfounded, maintaining that Kiambu remains peaceful and that there is no indication of any planned disruption.
“There is no fight in Kiambu. Our leader is coming to open the office, address supporters and leave peacefully. We ask those making such claims to tell Kenyans where this alleged violence will come from,” he said.
Wa Bibiana said local residents, traders, transport operators and security agencies were aware of the planned event and expected it to proceed peacefully.
He warned against what he termed attempts to create unnecessary anxiety among residents, arguing that previous opposition leaders had held political meetings in Kiambu without incident.
“Just a few weeks ago, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka held a meeting here and everything was peaceful. We expect tomorrow’s event to be no different,” he said.
He added that if any violence were to occur, authorities should investigate those responsible instead of blaming the party.
Addressing reports of divisions within the opposition, Wa Bibiana insisted that opposition leaders remain united despite each party focusing on strengthening its support base.
He said every political formation should consolidate support within its traditional strongholds before joining forces under a united opposition coalition.
“Kalonzo Musyoka should strengthen Ukambani, other leaders should consolidate their regions, while Rigathi Gachagua mobilizes Mount Kenya. A strong coalition is built by strong individual parties,” he said.
Kiambu Woman Representative aspirant on the DCP ticket, advocate Phyllis Wangui Kamau, said the county had emerged as one of the party’s strongest bases.
She said the Kiambu office had been operational for more than a year and had already attracted more than 500 aspirants seeking various elective seats.
“Kiambu is one of DCP’s strongest counties and we expect a huge turnout for tomorrow’s event because our supporters are firmly behind the party and its leader,” she said.
Responding to claims that opposition parties are divided, Ms Kamau described the differences as healthy political competition rather than disunity.
She said the opposition remained united behind a shared objective of unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
“There is healthy debate among friends, but we remain united behind one common agenda. Our goal is to ensure President William Ruto serves only one term,” she said.
Ms Kamau said Mr Gachagua had consistently urged every opposition party to strengthen its grassroots structures before coalition negotiations.
According to her, DCP has expanded rapidly across the Mount Kenya region and plans to grow its presence in other parts of the country, including Narok, Embu, Western Kenya and the Coast.
She added that in areas where other opposition parties enjoy stronger support, DCP would work collaboratively within the broader opposition alliance.
The lawyer also defended Mr Gachagua against accusations by some political leaders that he is intolerant or domineering.
She said the former Deputy President had created a fair political environment within DCP, allowing ordinary Kenyans to compete for leadership positions without favouritism.
“I am an ordinary resident of Kiambu. I have not come from a political family, yet I have been given a fair opportunity to compete for leadership within the party. I have never been bullied or asked to pay money,” she said.
She dismissed suggestions that Mr Gachagua was sidelining other opposition leaders, saying leaders such as former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and others were free to build their respective political parties while remaining part of the broader opposition movement.
Ms Kamau said DCP intends to field candidates across the country while continuing to work with like-minded parties in pursuit of a united opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is expected to officially open the Kiambu DCP county offices on Friday before addressing supporters in what the party says will be part of its ongoing nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign.
