More than nine aspirants from Malava and Mbeere North had placed their hopes in the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), only to be left in shock and betrayal. Each of them was asked by party leader Rigathi Gachagua to part with Kshs. 1 million for endorsement and the all-important party certificate. They paid up, believing they were investing in a political future.
But politics, under Gachagua’s watch, has proven to be nothing short of a scam. These hopefuls later discovered—not through official communication, but via TV, radio, and social media—that DCP would not be fielding candidates in those constituencies. By then, the damage was already done.
The aspirants had paid hefty nomination and membership fees, invested in campaign materials branded in DCP colors, launched their campaigns on the ground, and even mobilized supporters. Some had hired staff, booked venues, and made personal sacrifices to stand under the party’s banner. And yet, after all that, what did they get in return? Silence. No explanation, no apology, and certainly no refund.
This is more than just political mismanagement; it’s outright exploitation. A party that was marketed as a new home for the “forgotten voices” has ended up behaving like a cold, ruthless cartel.
Kenyans must now ask themselves: if this is how Gachagua treats his own candidates—his supposed partners in the political struggle—how much worse would ordinary wananchi fare under his leadership?
Modern-day cons no longer wear masks or hide in back alleys. They dress in suits, hold press conferences, and promise political redemption while picking the pockets of those desperate enough to believe in them.
The DCP fiasco has exposed Gachagua’s politics for what it really is: a cruel joke at the expense of hopeful Kenyans.
