Kenya’s newest party was ushered into the the country’s political discourse amid chaos, goons and guns, at one time prompting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to take cover after unveiling his Democracy for Citizens Party.

Chaos reigned momentarily at the new party headquarters along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington Nairobi, after Gachagua had made his speech, when about 100 intruders inched towards the perimeter fence of the venue as police fired in the air to disperse them.

In the ensuing melee, several journalists were roughed up and ordered to delete video clips they had recorded of gun-wielding security personnel in civilian clothes as they fired assault rifles at the stone-throwing intruders. Gachagua was then whisked into the party office.

His security detail and those of his allies were left to deal with the intruders pelting stones towards the party headquarters. At first, a group of about 30 tried to invade the event. They were repulsed and after 20 minutes, a bigger number of about 100 returned.

And thus, Gachagua ushered his DCP in the fog of gunfire smoke, thunderous cracking of live bullets and booing goons.

By the time the melee ended, the former Deputy President had read his speech and ended the ceremony. The leaders present did not make any remarks. While unveiling his party, Gachagua branded President Ruto’s administration ‘despotic regime’ and claimed it had failed to listen to Kenyans’ voice. “That is why our nation is sinking under heavy and punitive taxation, poor public service delivery, skyrocketing cost of living, poor healthcare, bad policies and poor governance, insecurity and pathological lies among others,” he said.

Saying the country’s future was in the hands of Gen Z and millennials and that their potential was untapped, the former DP announced that his party had 13 youth officials.

“They are knowledgeable, they are creative and they are harmless patriotic sons and daughters of our nation whose one of their major demands is to be listened to and included in leadership,” said Gachagua.

He announced former UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala as his deputy, former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi as chairman strategy and former Agriculture Cs Mithika Linturi as national organising secretary.

UDM former secretary general Martin ole Kamwaro is deputy secretary general, former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda will represent eminent caucus as the chair, former Laikipia Women Rep Cate Waruguru will chair the women caucus and former Kasarani MP Mercy Gakuya is secretary for education.

Other officials include David Mingati (chairperson) Hezron Ombaga (secretary general) and Annah Mutua (national treasurer).

Gachagua assured supporters that his party was committed to respect for human rights and freedoms, integrity in leadership, and being accountable. His allies elected on UDA ticket attended the event but did not address the gathering to avoid clashing with the ruling party as they may be deemed to have defected.

“It was a tactical retreat for us to avoid intimidation and sponsored litigation that will disrupt us from holding the government to account,” one of the leaders at the event, said.

Some of the elected leaders sponsored by UDA who attended the event included senators Joe Nyutu (Muranga) Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu) Seki Lenku (Kajiado) John Methu (Nyandarua), among others. The MPs included Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), and Jane Kihara (Naivasha).

Gachagua’s critics maintain that given that he had formed a new party, his elected allies would be at a crossroads. Political analyst Charles Njoroge said: “In the case of Gachagua, the MPs have been associating with him as he had not ditched UDA until four days ago, but now that he is a party leader, the leaders may think twice as I don’t think they are ready to go back to the ballot.”