A major political shift took place on Monday when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the appointment of Nyandarua Senator John Methu as the new Secretary General Designate of the Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP).
The announcement came right after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where party leaders gathered to make key decisions on the party’s future direction.
Methu takes over from Hezron Obaga, who had served as the founding secretary general since the party’s early days. The transition is effective immediately, meaning Methu will now act as the secretary general and also serve as the party’s spokesperson. However,, this appointment is still waiting for regulatory approval from the relevant authorities before it becomes fully official.
What makes this move interesting is Methu’s current political standing. He is still a serving senator under the United Democratic Alliance, or UDA, which is a different political outfit. This dual identity has raised some eyebrows among political analysts who wonder how he will balance his responsibilities. On top of that, Methu is facing some potential legal issues, though the exact details remain unclear at this stage. Despite these challenges, Gachagua showed full confidence in him.
Methu’s first big test will not be about paperwork or party administration. Instead, he has been handed a live political battle. He will lead the DCP’s campaign in the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16. He will work side by side with Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia to push for the victory of their candidate, Sammy Kamau Ngotho. This by-election is seen as a crucial early test for the DCP’s strength on the ground.
During the announcement event, Gachagua took time to paint a picture of a party on the rise. He revealed that the DCP has already grown to over 4.5 million members, a number that many smaller parties would envy. But he did not stop there. He set a bold and ambitious target for Methu to recruit an additional 10 million members before the 2027 general election. That is no small task by any measure.
Gachagua also showered praise on Methu, calling him a fiery voice in Kenyan politics. He went as far as comparing him to independence hero Joseph Murumbi, a man known for his courage and strong principles. Such high praise from a seasoned politician like Gachagua is sure to raise expectations around Methu’s performance.
On social media, the reaction was mixed but lively. Supporters of the DCP celebrated the move with excitement, posting congratulatory messages and expressing hope for a stronger party under Methu’s leadership. They see him as a young, energetic leader who can bring fresh energy into the party’s structures.
But critics were not silent either. Some raised concerns that the appointment leans too heavily on tribal considerations, a sensitive topic in Kenyan politics where ethnic loyalty often overshadows merit. Others pointed out that the DCP still has internal challenges to deal with, including factions and disagreements among senior members. Whether Methu can unite these warring sides remains an open question.
For now, all eyes will be on Ol Kalou. The by-election in July will tell Kenyans whether the DCP’s growing membership numbers translate into actual votes. And for John Methu, it will be his first real chance to prove that he is more than just a political appointee. He will have to show that he truly is the fiery voice Gachagua believes him to be.
