A damning video exposé has thrust former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP) into a firestorm of controversy, with young leaders accusing the party of running a corrupt network that extorts aspiring politicians. The video, shared on Facebook, reveals a systematic scheme allegedly orchestrated under Gachagua’s influence, demanding exorbitant fees from youth seeking DCP nominations.
“It is with deep concern that we expose the silent exploitation of Kenya’s young leaders by a corrupt network operating under the influence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party,” a group of aspirants declared in the video. They detailed a tiered price list for nominations: KSh 250,000 for Member of County Assembly (MCA), KSh 600,000 for Member of Parliament (MP), KSh 700,000 for women’s representative, and a staggering KSh 800,000 for gubernatorial seats. “We’re being priced out of our own dreams,” one aspirant lamented.
The allegations have sparked outrage on X, where users have labeled Gachagua a “conman” and accused DCP of preying on young leaders to bankroll its operations. Posts also resurface claims of Gachagua’s alleged KSh 5.2 billion wealth and past accusations of tribalism, further eroding trust in his leadership. The scandal threatens to derail DCP’s bid to challenge President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the 2027 elections.
As DCP struggles to shake off the “extortion” label, Gachagua’s vision of a grassroots movement hangs in jeopardy. With Kenya’s young voters demanding accountability, this scandal could redefine the party’s fate before it gains traction.
