Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been barred from launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) at the Kasarani Indoor Arena, an event that was scheduled for June 4, 2025.
The government, through Sports Kenya, revoked the confirmed booking, citing prior commitments by sports teams and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) CHAN 2025 tournament.
“We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. Additionally, we are not accepting further reservations because of preparations for the Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025) to be hosted within the facility,” read an official letter dated May 21 from Sports Kenya.
DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga issued a statement condemning the cancellation. He described the move as a direct attack on democracy and accused the government of increasing political interference.
Obaga referred to past disruptions during the party’s unveiling earlier this month, suggesting that DCP is being deliberately targeted.
“The indefinite cancellation of our venue by Sports Kenya is not only an affront to democracy but a clear attempt to block the DCP party launch. The Kasarani Indoor Arena is a public facility that should be accessible to all Kenyans,” he said.
“We also condemn the hostility directed at our party, particularly during our unveiling on May 15, 2025, at our headquarters, and again on May 24 in Kakamega, where our deputy party leader and other members were reportedly harassed by police and other security forces.”
Following the cancellation, the party has postponed its launch and is now searching for an alternative private venue.
“We regret to inform our members and supporters nationwide that our planned launch on June 3, 2025, has been postponed. A new date will be announced once a suitable venue is secured,” DCP said in a follow-up statement.
According to the party, Sports Kenya had initially confirmed the June 3 date after advising a change from the earlier proposed date. DCP complied and received an invoice of Ksh 3,706,800 to confirm the booking. However, the government revoked the reservation on May 21 without further explanation.
“We agreed to hold the event on June 3, 2025, and were issued an invoice to proceed with payment,” the statement continued. “But management later cancelled the booking indefinitely, stating that the venue would not be available on that date or at any time in the near future. We have now been asked to seek an alternative venue.”
