Kenya’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has strongly denied viral social media reports alleging that the party will be officially launched on June 25, 2025—the same day a nationwide Gen Z protest is scheduled to take place.
According to a series of misleading posters that circulated online over the weekend, the purported launch was to occur at the Windsor Golf and Country Club in Nairobi. The posters even claimed that South African opposition leader Julius Malema would be in attendance.
However, in a statement released on Monday, June 23, the DCP dismissed the posters as fake news and part of a wider misinformation campaign allegedly aimed at creating tension and confusion ahead of the Gen Z demonstrations.
“Fake news alert,” read a post on the DCP’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, alongside screenshots of the viral posters that featured images of senior opposition figures such as Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo Musyoka, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Postponed Launch and Venue Controversy
The DCP had earlier scheduled its official launch for June 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena Auditorium. However, the event was abruptly postponed after Sports Kenya revoked the venue booking, citing prior commitments and preparations for CHAN 2025—the upcoming African Nations Championship tournament to be hosted in Nairobi.
In a letter dated May 21, 2025, Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora informed the party that the venue was no longer available:
“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 CHAN 2025 tournament,” the letter stated.
The cancellation drew sharp criticism from the DCP, which accused the government of political interference and suppressing democratic rights.
“The indefinite venue cancellation by Sports Kenya is an affront to democracy and an attempt to deter the DCP party launch by the government,” said Hezron Obaga, DCP’s Secretary General.
“The Kasarani Gymnasium Facility is a public venue that every Kenyan has the right to access for the public good.”
False Association with Gen Z Protest Date
The resurfacing of a June 25 launch date, though denied by DCP, has fueled speculation that the party was attempting to overshadow or hijack the anticipated Gen Z-led protests.
The protest, organized under the banner of “#JusticeForTheYouth,” is being held in memory of young Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations, many of whom were shot by police during clashes over corruption, joblessness, and cost of living concerns.
The timing of the fake poster—appearing just days before the protest—triggered an online uproar, with youth activists accusing politicians of sabotage and distraction tactics.
Gachagua, who has recently realigned himself with several opposition leaders, including Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka, has supported calls for government accountability, particularly in regard to extrajudicial killings.
“We must stop the culture of silencing the youth through violence. Their voices matter,” Gachagua said during a recent public address.
Deepfake Propaganda?
Political analysts believe the spread of deepfake images and digitally manipulated posters signals a new era of propaganda warfare in Kenya’s political landscape.
Several of the posters featured high-quality edits of well-known leaders allegedly endorsing the DCP launch, complete with logos and event details that appeared authentic at first glance.
According to digital rights advocates, these materials are part of an emerging pattern of disinformation aimed at confusing voters, discrediting movements, and inflaming tensions between rival camps.
The DCP’s official rebuttal, as well as its swift callout of the fake posters, suggests the party is working hard to protect its credibility ahead of its rescheduled launch—now expected to take place later this year at a new venue yet to be announced.
DCP’s Political Position and 2025 Agenda
Formed in late 2024, the Democracy for Citizens Party has positioned itself as a centrist political alternative focused on youth empowerment, economic equity, and civic participation. While Gachagua is its most prominent face, the party has also attracted a number of former government officials and civil society figures.
In recent weeks, DCP leaders have spoken out strongly against:
- Rising cases of police brutality
- Government suppression of protests
- Mismanagement of public resources
- Political exclusion of the youth and grassroots movements
Observers note that the party could play a key role in shaping the opposition narrative ahead of the 2027 General Elections, especially if it continues aligning with disillusioned youth groups and disenfranchised communities.
Next Steps: New Launch Date Pending
Despite the recent controversy, DCP officials have confirmed that the official party launch is still on track for 2025. The party is currently scouting for an alternative venue and says it remains committed to rolling out a national membership drive and a youth-focused political agenda.
“We are undeterred. The people of Kenya deserve an alternative voice rooted in truth and service. Our launch will happen—not on the basis of fake posters, but on the will of the people,” said Obaga.
As the country gears up for what could be a politically volatile second half of 2025, the role of emerging parties like DCP—and the influence of digital misinformation—will likely come under sharper focus.