The extended absence of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has provided an early test of the party’s leadership structure, with Secretary General designate John Methu quickly emerging as one of the most visible figures in the party’s activities.
Gachagua left Kenya on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for a tour of the United States that is expected to last about 50 days. His programme includes engagements with Kenyans in the diaspora and political activities across several states as DCP continues building its structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While the party has a clearly defined hierarchy, the early days of Gachagua’s absence have highlighted an interesting difference between formal positions and political visibility.
Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala remains the senior official after Gachagua in the party’s command structure. Methu, who serves as an influential senator and has been designated as secretary general, is primarily responsible for organisational matters.
However, political influence is not always determined by titles. Visibility, initiative and the ability to mobilise party members can also shape perceptions of who is driving a political organisation.
Methu appears to have embraced that space since Gachagua travelled to the United States.
Methu Steps Into DCP’s Political Space
Just one day after Gachagua’s departure, Methu brought together DCP-aligned Members of Parliament from Nairobi for a strategic meeting aimed at developing a roadmap for the party’s activities in the capital.
The meeting was attended by Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Embakasi Central MP Mejjadonk, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Roysambu MP Mwafrika and Starehe MP Amos Mwago.
Methu said the discussions were focused on coordinating DCP activities in Nairobi and strengthening the party’s political operations.
The timing of the meeting was significant because it represented one of the first major public demonstrations of DCP’s machinery continuing to operate following Gachagua’s departure.
Rather than allowing the party’s activities to slow down in the absence of its leader, Methu immediately engaged elected representatives and began laying out plans for the next phase of the party’s operations.
The development has contributed to the perception that the secretary general designate is filling part of the organisational and political space created by Gachagua’s absence.
Methu’s growing visibility also predates the US tour. He has increasingly featured in DCP activities, defending party officials, commenting on political developments and appearing alongside legislators associated with the party.
In August, he was among the leaders who raised concerns over the continued detention of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia despite a court order directing his release.
These engagements have allowed Methu to build a political profile that extends beyond the traditional administrative responsibilities associated with the secretary general’s office.
Another Test Awaits in Laikipia
Methu’s political engagements are expected to continue as DCP seeks to maintain momentum while Gachagua remains in the United States.
On Sunday, August 30, he is expected to travel to Laikipia County as part of efforts to advance the party’s political agenda and strengthen its presence at the grassroots.
The Laikipia engagement could provide another indication of how Methu intends to operate during Gachagua’s extended absence.
If he continues visiting counties, coordinating MPs and communicating the party’s agenda throughout the 50-day period, Methu could increasingly become recognised as the operational face of DCP.
Such a development would not necessarily amount to a takeover of the party’s leadership. Instead, it could demonstrate Methu’s ability to turn the secretary general’s office into an important centre for political coordination and mobilisation.
For DCP, Gachagua’s absence therefore presents more than a temporary leadership challenge. It offers the party an opportunity to test the effectiveness of its internal structures while giving its senior officials a chance to demonstrate their ability to keep the political machinery running.
