Gachagua Fires DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga, Appoints Methu

Gachagua Fires DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga, Appoints Methu

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced a major shake-up within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), appointing John Methu as the party’s new Secretary General and spokesperson.

The announcement was made on Monday, May 25, during a press briefing at the party headquarters in Nairobi, marking the exit of Hezron Obaga from one of the most influential positions within the fast-growing opposition party.

The appointment signals a strategic political reorganisation by Gachagua as DCP intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election and upcoming by-elections, including the highly anticipated Ol Kalou parliamentary contest scheduled for July 16.

Addressing journalists during the event, Gachagua said Methu would immediately assume communication and campaign coordination responsibilities for the party as it seeks to strengthen its national grassroots network.

“The media must know who to contact. 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,” Gachagua announced.

The former deputy president further stated that Methu’s appointment had been approved by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) following internal consultations among senior party officials.

“In the fullness of time, his name will be forwarded to the Registrar of Political Parties so that he is registered as the duly appointed SG of DCP,” he added.

While confirming the leadership changes, Gachagua did not provide detailed reasons behind the removal of Hezron Obaga, who has served as the party’s Secretary General since the formation of DCP in May 2025.

Obaga was considered one of the founding faces of the party and played a central role in coordinating DCP’s early mobilisation campaigns following Gachagua’s fallout with the ruling administration.

Political analysts now view the appointment of Methu as part of a broader strategy to inject youthful energy and aggressive grassroots mobilisation into the opposition outfit ahead of the next election cycle.

During the briefing, Gachagua claimed the party had experienced rapid growth within its first year of existence, saying millions of Kenyans had already registered as members.

“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.

The DCP leader also handed Methu the responsibility of leading the party’s campaigns in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, describing the contest as a crucial political test for the party’s strength in the Mt Kenya region.

“NEC has given Senator Methu the responsibility, together with other leaders, to take charge of the by-elections in Ol Kalou and deliver a decisive victory to the DCP party in the elections scheduled for July 16,” Gachagua stated.

Beyond the by-election, Methu has also been tasked with spearheading a nationwide recruitment campaign targeting at least 10 million party members before 2027.

However, the appointment could trigger legal and political debate because Methu was elected to the Senate on a ticket affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Under Kenya’s political party laws, elected leaders who officially defect from the parties that sponsored them risk losing their seats under certain conditions.

Aware of the possible legal hurdles, Gachagua revealed that DCP’s legal team was already preparing to handle any challenges that may arise from Methu’s appointment.

Methu, while accepting the role, defended the move and argued that similar political transitions had occurred before in Kenya’s recent political history.

He referenced President William Ruto’s political transition in 2022 when Ruto emerged as leader of UDA while still associated with the Jubilee Party before the general election.

The latest developments are expected to heighten political activity within the opposition as parties begin early preparations for what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested 2027 election race.

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Gachagua Fires DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga, Appoints Methu