Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appointed Nyandarua Senator John Methu as the new Secretary General of the Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP).
Gachagua announced the change during a press conference at his party headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, May 25, effectively dismissing Hezron Obaga from the position.
According to Gachagua, Methu will be responsible for leading the party’s campaigns, including spearheading DCP’s initiatives in preparation for the Ol Kalou by-elections, scheduled for July 16.
“The media should address all inquiries to Senator John Methu, who is a DCP party member, and he will commence his duties as the Secretary General designate and the party’s spokesperson on all matters immediately,” Gachagua declared.
Gachagua continued, “Eventually, his name will be submitted to the registrar of political parties to formalize his appointment as the official Secretary General of DCP.”
The decision to appoint Methu was made during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which resolved to make the change.
Gachagua, however, did not disclose the reasons for Obaga’s removal from his position as party spokesperson, despite Obaga being a founding member.
Obaga had served as DCP Secretary General since May 2025 when the party was formed, holding the position for over a year before being replaced.
The DCP party was formally established in May 2025 and has been operational for exactly one year.
Gachagua stated that the party boasts more than 4 million members, with over 10,000 individuals expressing interest in contesting various positions in the 2027 elections.
“Numerous aspirants have indicated their desire to represent the party in the upcoming general elections, and we assure all candidates of transparent and impartial nomination processes,” Gachagua emphasized.
After his appointment, Methu was given the responsibility of securing the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat for DCP in the by-election, with Gachagua confirming the senator will lead the campaign efforts in the constituency.
The Nyandarua Senator has also been assigned the task of recruiting 10 million Kenyans as DCP members prior to the 2027 polls.
“The NEC has instructed Senator Methu, in collaboration with other party leaders, to ensure a significant victory for the DCP in the elections scheduled for July 16,” he added.
Nevertheless, Methu’s appointment as DCP Secretary General might encounter legal challenges since he was elected under the UDA ticket. Gachagua mentioned that DCP legal representatives are addressing any potential legal issues that may emerge.
Methu, upon accepting the position, defended his appointment by referencing a similar scenario in 2022 when President William Ruto became the UDA party leader while still being a member of the Jubilee party.