Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that President William Ruto denied the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) the use of Kasarani Stadium for the official launch.
Speaking at a local radio station on Monday, June 16, 2025, Gachagua stated that Ruto dislikes his party from the Mt Kenya region.
“It was William Ruto who denied us access to Kasarani Stadium for the launch of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP). This is the party he dislikes most from Mt. Kenya,” he stated.
Gachagua stated that DCP was ready to pay the requested amount to hold the event at the stadium, but they were later informed to look for an alternative location.
“We had planned a major event at Kasarani and had already booked the stadium for our June 4th launch. However, our team was later informed that holding the event there on that date would not be possible,” he stated.
“We were asked to pay Ksh3.7 million, which we were ready to do. But even after that, we were told the venue was not available—and wouldn’t be available anytime soon. So we look for an alternative location,” he added.
Furthermore, he criticised the head of state for claiming that his party was tribal, yet it is open to all Kenyans nationwide.
“He claimed that our party is tribal, yet the truth is our party is open to all Kenyans,” he added.
Sports Kenya
The government, through Sports Kenya, blocked the former deputy president’s party event at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, which was slated for June 4, 2025.
Sports Kenya, in a letter on May 21, 2025, cited ‘prior bookings by sports teams’ and informed the party that the facility would not be taking any more bookings due to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) CHAN 2025 tournament preparations.
“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025) to be hosted within the complex,” read the letter.
DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga, in a statement on May 21, 2025, condemned the cancellation, terming it an “affront to democracy” and linking it to what it calls growing state interference.
The party cited recent chaos witnessed during its unveiling earlier this month, claiming that the party has been targeted.
“The indefinite venue cancellation by Sports Kenya is an affront to democracy and an attempt to deter the DCP party launch by the government. The Kasarani gymnasium facility (indoor arena auditorium) is a public facility which every Kenyan has a right to access and utilise for the public good,” stated Obaga.
The party has since postponed its launch and is now seeking a private venue to host the event.
“We regret to announce to our members and supporters across the country that our party launch set for June 3, 2025, has been postponed. “Once a suitable venue is secured, a new date will be set and communicated accordingly,” DCP noted.
