Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appointed Nyandarua Senator John Methu as the new Secretary General of the Democracy for the Citizens Party. The announcement came during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi on May 25.
The appointment effectively removes Hezron Obaga from the powerful party position. Gachagua did not publicly explain the reasons behind Obaga’s removal from office.
Gachagua said Methu will immediately begin serving as the party’s Secretary General designate and official spokesperson. He added that the party will later forward Methu’s name to the Registrar of Political Parties.
Methu Handed Key Political Responsibilities
Gachagua said the party’s National Executive Committee approved Methu’s appointment after internal consultations. He tasked the senator with leading DCP campaigns ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16.
The former deputy president also assigned Methu the responsibility of expanding party membership nationwide. He directed him to recruit at least 10 million members before the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua said thousands of aspirants have already expressed interest in contesting through the party. He promised free and fair nominations for all interested candidates.
Legal Questions Emerge Over Appointment
Methu’s appointment may trigger legal questions because he still holds office under the United Democratic Alliance ticket. Kenyan political laws restrict elected leaders from officially serving rival political parties without consequences.
Gachagua acknowledged the legal concerns during the announcement. He revealed that DCP lawyers are already preparing for possible legal challenges.
Methu defended his appointment by referencing President William Ruto’s political transition in 2022. He argued that Ruto led UDA while still associated with Jubilee Party structures.
DCP Intensifies 2027 Preparations
The Democracy for the Citizens Party launched officially in May 2025. Gachagua claimed the party has already attracted over four million members nationwide.
The party now seeks to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the next elections. Leaders view the Ol Kalou by-election as a major political test for DCP’s growing influence.
Methu will now lead the party’s campaign efforts in the constituency. Gachagua said the senator must deliver a decisive victory during the by-election.
The developments signal growing political activity as leaders begin positioning themselves for 2027. Opposition realignments continue shaping Kenya’s changing political landscape.
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