TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

What began as a moment of political rebirth for former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua quickly turned into scenes of confusion and confrontation.

This came as chaos erupted during the official launch of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Lavington, Nairobi.

On Thursday, May 15, Gachagua and a group of his close allies gathered at the DCP headquarters to unveil the much-anticipated political party.

During the early proceedings, Gachagua and other senior party officials engaged supporters in open discussions and outlined the vision of the DCP, a party they said is grounded in justice, public service, and grassroots empowerment.

However, the atmosphere took a dramatic turn shortly after the formalities.

According to videos seen by , a group of unidentified individuals believed to be hired goons stormed the venue, disrupting the event and throwing the gathering into turmoil.

The sudden intrusion forced leaders and guests to scramble for safety as shouts and scuffles broke out within the compound.

In one video clip, a man dressed in plain clothes, believed to be part of Gachagua's security detail, is seen firing live rounds into the air in an attempt to disperse the agitated crowd.

The footage shows people ducking for cover amid the tension, while law enforcement struggled to restore order.

Watch the video below:

During the launch, Gachagua named several interim officials to lead the newly formed party, with former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala appointed as deputy party leader.

Former Meru senator and ex-Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi was named national organising secretary, while Cate Waruguru, ex-Laikipia Woman Representative, will serve as national women leader.

Additional interim roles were filled by Hezron Obatha as secretary general, Martil Ole Kamwaro as deputy secretary general, Hannah Mutua as national treasurer, and Wanjra Njoka as deputy treasurer.

Interestingly, no current elected leaders were included in the interim lineup.

Just hours before the official launch of DCP, Moses Kuria stirred debate online with a post that appeared to mock the fresh outfit.

Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Kuria gave the party a controversial nickname, calling it the “District Commissioners’ Party”.

Despite the apparent dig, Kuria also signalled his support for political diversity and multi-party democracy. He pointed out his own involvement in past democratic struggles and expressed support for the idea of having more political voices in Kenya.

Source: TUKO.co.ke