May 15, 2025
Kenya’s political landscape is shifting, and those in power are feeling the heat.
On what should have been a peaceful and historic day for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), chaos erupted—goons stormed the event, disrupting speeches, intimidating attendees, and attempting to silence a rising political force.
The fingerprints of the ruling regime were all over the violence, revealing a disturbing pattern: when faced with competition, President Ruto’s administration doesn’t campaign—it cracks down.
This article explores the deeper reasons behind the disruption, the fear driving Ruto’s political machine, and what this means for the future of democracy in Kenya.
Today, Kenya witnessed yet another shameful chapter in its political history. What was meant to be a peaceful and momentous launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) turned chaotic after hired goons—allegedly linked to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA)—stormed the venue in a calculated attempt to derail the event.
This was not random hooliganism. It was a carefully orchestrated show of force by a regime increasingly insecure about its place in Kenya’s rapidly shifting political landscape.
So, why is President Ruto's regime resorting to such outdated, violent tactics?
1. Fear of Losing Political Ground
The emergence of DCP presents a new, serious political threat—especially to Ruto’s 2022 voter base. DCP’s message is clear, bold, and refreshing. It resonates not only with disgruntled UDA supporters but also with young, urban, and reform-minded voters tired of recycled promises and elite power games.
This is not just about a party launch—it’s about a changing tide. The rise of DCP signals a shift in political thinking, away from ethnic strongholds and toward citizen-centered governance. That shift terrifies the incumbents, who have relied for too long on tribal loyalty and populist gimmicks.
2. Obsession with Political Domination
Ruto wants to dominate Mt. Kenya politics completely. His relationship with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has grown increasingly tense, and any voice that challenges his authority—whether from within or without—is treated as a threat to be neutralized.
By attacking DCP’s event, the message was clear: "Only one king can rule the hill." But this outdated style of politics—silencing dissent through intimidation—no longer holds in a Kenya that’s growing more politically aware by the day.
3. Personal Vendettas at Play
Many of DCP’s architects were once part of Ruto’s political inner circle. Their decision to walk away from UDA and forge a new path is seen as betrayal. Ruto, like many autocrats before him, takes such moves personally.
This isn’t just about elections—it's about punishing defection. What we saw today was retaliation, pure and simple.
4. Controlling the Media Narrative
Today’s DCP event was attracting significant media attention, both locally and abroad. In the age of livestreams and viral clips, image matters. A successful launch would have been a major media win for the new party.
Disrupting the event with violence and chaos ensured that headlines would shift from policy promises to public disorder. This is an old trick: create confusion so the core message is lost in the noise.
5. Fear Tactics Inspired by the Past
Ruto has always painted himself as the "hustler," the people's man—but his playbook borrows heavily from Kenya’s most oppressive regimes. Like Moi in the 1990s or even Raila in his more aggressive ODM days, Ruto is deploying fear as a political tool.
But Kenya has changed. The citizenry is not as easily intimidated. Violence no longer guarantees silence—it only guarantees resistance.
6. Testing the Limits of Impunity
As president, Ruto commands the national police service, intelligence units, and local administration. What happened today was also a test: how far can he push? How much can he get away with before civil society, religious leaders, or the judiciary push back?
It was a preview of 2027—a test-run of chaos. And the silence from top security bosses today is loud. It's an ominous sign of what could come if this behavior goes unchecked.
Political Violence is the Weapon of the Weak
When leaders resort to violence, it’s because they’ve run out of ideas. If Ruto truly believes in his administration’s performance and popularity, he should welcome competition. That’s how democracy works.
You don’t silence rivals with stones and goons. You beat them with vision, ideas, and service delivery. Kenya is bigger than one man or one party. And the citizens are watching.
The DCP launch was more than a party unveiling—it was a test of whether we are still a democracy or just a shell of one.
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