The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has condemned the cancellation of their booking for the Kasarani Indoor Arena Auditorium, where the party was meant to host the launch on June 3, 2025.
In a letter dated May 21, 2025, Sports Kenya informed the DCP that their request to use the facility was declined due to prior bookings by sports teams.
Sports Kenya also said that they would not be taking bookings due to the upcoming preparations for the Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025).
"We regret to inform you that the venue will not be available due to prior bookings by sports teams. We are also not taking further bookings due to preparations for the upcoming Championships for African Nations (CHAN 2025) to be hosted within the complex. Kindly consider looking for an alternative venue," the letter read in part.
In a communication addressed to party members on Tuesday, May 27, DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga criticized the cancellation, claiming the venue had initially been confirmed and an invoice issued to the party for Ksh3.7 million.
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"On 21st May 2025, Sports Kenya advised our party that the 4th of June, 2025, was not available and requested that we book a day earlier to be 3rd June, 2025; the management confirmed our booking for the 3rd June 2025 vide Invoice No. SK/P1/399 VOL VII/39 and invoiced the party for payment of Kshs. 3,706,800.00 (Invoice attached)," the statement noted.
Obaga further expressed outrage over what he termed as an “affront to democracy,” asserting that public facilities should be accessible to all Kenyans.
"The indefinite venue cancellation by Sports Kenya is an affront to democracy and an attempt to deter the DCP Party Launch by the Government. The Kasarani Gymnasium Facility (Indoor Arena Auditorium) is a Public Facility which every Kenyan has a right to access and utilize for the public good," he added.
The party also cited recent incidents of alleged harassment by authorities, linking them to a broader campaign of political suppression.
"We strongly condemn the aggression directed towards the DCP Party, particularly during our party unveiling on 15th May 2025 at the party headquarters, and again on Saturday, 24th May 2025 in Kakamega, where the Deputy Party Leader and members of our party were harassed by the police and other security agencies," Obaga remarked.
As a result, the DCP has postponed the launch and is seeking an alternative venue in the private sector, indicating that government-linked facilities may no longer be an option.
"We regret to announce to our members and supporters across the country that our party launch set for the 3rd June, 2025, has been postponed. We are in the process of identifying a suitable venue in a private facility, as it is clear that the government will not allow DCP to use its facilities," Obanga stated.
The party promised to communicate a new date once a venue is secured, while apologizing for the inconvenience caused to its members and supporters.
