Gachagua Promises Youth Bigger Role in Government as DCP Expands Naivasha Base

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised young Kenyans a bigger role in government, saying youth leadership should begin now rather than in the future.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), said young people should move beyond being political supporters and become active participants in leadership, policymaking and governance.

“Young people are central to the future of Kenyan politics,” Gachagua said.

He added that young people represent a significant proportion of the population and bring new ideas and energy into political leadership.

“They make up a significant share of our population and bring fresh perspectives, energy and ideas,” he said.

Gachagua spoke as he welcomed the launch of the DCP Nakuru County Youth League, Naivasha Chapter, led by National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga.

The launch comes as DCP continues expanding its organisational structures in Nakuru and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

DCP opened an office in Naivasha during a Nakuru mobilisation tour in August, with the party saying it was seeking to strengthen its presence across the county.

Gachagua outlines youth role in DCP

Gachagua said DCP had already entrusted young people with responsibilities within the party as part of its approach to youth leadership.

“At DCP PARTY, we have entrusted young people with vital roles and responsibilities in running the party because we believe youth leadership must begin now and not in the future,” he said.

He said the same principle would apply to government if DCP forms the next administration.

“In our next government, young people must be fully involved in managing our country and empowered to take the lead,” Gachagua said.

The remarks represent Gachagua's political commitment to youth participation in a future government and come as DCP continues building its grassroots structures.

New DCP youth chapter launched in Naivasha

Gachagua thanked DCP youth members involved in establishing the new Naivasha chapter, while recognising Thiga's leadership.

“I extend my sincere thanks to our youth, led by DCP National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga, for launching the Nakuru County Youth League, Naivasha Chapter, today,” he said.

He described the chapter as an important step in increasing youth involvement in leadership.

“The chapter is an important step towards championing greater youth participation in leadership,” Gachagua said.

DCP Secretary-General designate John Methu attended the occasion alongside several Members of Parliament.

Thiga has previously been involved in DCP's youth mobilisation activities. In July, she publicly engaged in political debate around the Ol Kalou by-election and criticised the absence of National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah from campaigns in the constituency.

DCP steps up grassroots organisation

The Naivasha youth chapter is being established against the backdrop of wider organisational activity within DCP.

On September 29, the party held a strategic National Executive Committee and Central Committee meeting in Nairobi attended by senior officials, including Methu and Thiga. Gachagua said the party was working to build a political organisation capable of standing the test of time.

The party has also been using public engagements, local offices and grassroots activities as it seeks to strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 election.

‘Young people must not be spectators’

Gachagua said young Kenyans should have a direct role in shaping the country's political direction.

“Our young people must not be mere spectators in politics,” he said.

He called for youth participation beyond political mobilisation, saying young people should also contribute to policymaking and democratic processes.

“They should be active partners in shaping policies and building a more inclusive democracy,” Gachagua said.

The latest message puts youth participation at the centre of Gachagua's remarks on DCP's grassroots organisation, with the party continuing to establish and strengthen structures as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.

For DCP, the creation of youth chapters such as the one in Naivasha provides a formal structure through which young members can participate in party activities.

Gachagua, however, is promising a role that extends beyond party structures.

“In our next government, young people must be fully involved in managing our country and empowered to take the lead,” he said.

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