Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua named Nyandarua Senator John Methu as the new Secretary General of the Democracy for the Citizens Party on Monday, May 25. He made the announcement at the party headquarters in Nairobi, replacing Hezron Obaga and positioning Methu to lead campaigns ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election. The move aims to strengthen the young party as it prepares for bigger contests in 2027.
Gachagua wasted no time spelling out the change during the press conference. He described Methu as the go-to person for the media and all party matters starting immediately. The decision came after a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee, though he offered little explanation for removing Obaga, who had served since the party launched in May 2025.
Party Shake-Up Sparks Questions in Nairobi
The announcement surprised many. Obaga had been a founding figure and the public face of DCP for over a year. Gachagua remained resolute in his choice. “The media must know who to contact,” he said. “Senator John Methu is a DCP party member, and he will start acting as the secretary general designate and the spokesperson of DCP on all matters from today.”
He added that in due course, Methu’s name would go to the registrar of political parties for formal recognition. Party insiders in Nairobi noted the timing feels deliberate, coming just weeks before the Ol Kalou by-election set for July 16.
Gachagua made it clear he expects results. “NEC has given Senator Methu, together with other leaders, to take charge of the by-elections in Ol Kalou and deliver a decisive victory to the DCP party,” he told those gathered.
The former deputy president painted an optimistic picture of the party’s growth. He claimed DCP now boasts over four million members, with thousands of aspirants already lining up to fly its flag in the 2027 general elections.
“Thousands of aspirants have shown interest and registered with the party with the intention of flying the party’s flag in the next general elections, and we want to assure all aspirants of free and fair nominations,” Gachagua said.
Methu Faces Big Tasks and Possible Legal Hurdles
Senator Methu now carries heavy expectations. Beyond steering the Ol Kalou campaign, he must help recruit ten million Kenyans into the party before the next national vote. That is a challenging request, but he accepted the role without hesitation. Those who know him in Nyandarua describe him as a sharp organiser who gets things done.
Legal observers quickly pointed out a potential complication. Methu was elected to the Senate on a UDA ticket. Switching roles in another party could invite challenges.
Gachagua appeared prepared for that. He revealed that DCP lawyers are already reviewing any issues that might come up. Methu himself drew a parallel to the past. He reminded everyone that in 2022, President William Ruto led the UDA while still holding a Jubilee party membership.
The comparison seemed designed to calm concerns. In Kenyan politics, such shifts are common, though they often lead to courtroom battles. For now, the party appears united behind the new appointment. Supporters at the headquarters cheered the announcement, seeing it as a fresh chapter for a group still finding its footing after just one year in existence.
What This Means for DCP Ahead of 2027
This leadership change comes at a busy time. Ol Kalou offers an early test of the party’s ability to mobilise voters in Nyandarua County. Success there could boost confidence among the thousands of aspirants Gachagua mentioned. Failure might raise doubts about whether DCP can truly challenge bigger players.
Gachagua has made the party a party that listens to the ordinary citizen. The huge membership numbers he cited are a sign of growing interest, especially in areas tired of old political patterns. But the loss of Obaga, a founding member, without an explanation to the public raises questions about internal stability.
People in Nairobi’s political circles will watch closely how Methu handles his new duties. He brings Senate experience and local roots in Nyandarua that could prove useful in the by-election. His ability to balance party work with his existing responsibilities will matter.
As the sun set over the capital on Monday, the story was already spreading through group chats and radio discussions. Kenyan politics rarely stays quiet for long.