A section of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants has expressed growing anxiety over the future of the party, claiming its recent political success could make it increasingly difficult for ordinary candidates to secure nominations.
The concerns have emerged in the wake of the party’s victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with some aspirants arguing that the win has elevated the party’s political profile and may encourage a shift toward wealthy financiers at the expense of grassroots supporters.
Several aspirants, speaking privately, claim they fear the party leadership could begin favoring affluent politicians capable of injecting significant financial resources into election campaigns, sidelining loyal members who helped build the party from its formative stages.
According to the concerned aspirants, there is growing speculation that nomination tickets could become prohibitively expensive if the party gains further popularity. Some even allege that aspiring candidates may eventually be expected to pay substantial sums before being considered for party tickets.
Among the figures circulating in political circles are claims that aspirants for Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions could be required to part with as much as KSh5 million.
Those seeking nominations for Member of Parliament, Senator and Woman Representative positions are rumored to face demands of up to KSh10 million, while gubernatorial hopefuls could allegedly be expected to raise KSh50 million.
The claims have not been substantiated, and the party has not announced any nomination fees or requirements resembling the figures being circulated.
Nevertheless, the rumors have heightened unease among grassroots mobilizers, many of whom say they have invested their time, resources and political capital in growing DCP at the village level. They fear that if financial muscle becomes the primary consideration, long-serving party loyalists could lose out to wealthy newcomers seeking political influence.
Some aspirants are now calling on the party leadership to publicly clarify its nomination criteria and reassure members that the process will remain transparent, competitive and accessible to candidates regardless of their financial status.
Political observers note that such concerns are common whenever emerging parties gain momentum, as heightened popularity often attracts influential politicians and financiers seeking nomination tickets. Whether DCP can balance its expanding appeal with the expectations of its grassroots supporters may become one of the party’s biggest tests as preparations for the next General Election gather pace.
