DCP wants Ruto blocked from attending upcoming UN meeting in US
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 18, 2025The Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) has taken its criticism of President William Ruto to the international stage, calling on the United Nations and its member states to deny him a platform during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
While addressing the media on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the party’s headquarters, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala urged the United States, as the host nation, to declare President Ruto persona non grata.
Malala explained that this appeal was in line with international practices where leaders who trample on human rights are denied the privilege of addressing global forums.
The party also directed its plea to the UN General Assembly, asking it to review President Ruto’s eligibility to speak on issues of peace and human rights.
According to DCP, allowing him to take the stage at UNGA would be a direct contradiction, given the allegations of human rights violations under his administration.
“We strongly call on the United States of America, as the host country, to consider declaring him persona non grata, in line with international practices on leaders who trample human rights. We further call on the UN General Assembly to review his eligibility to speak on matters of peace and human rights,” Malala said.
Beyond the United Nations, DCP appealed to global civil society and partner nations to boycott and condemn any platform offered to the Kenyan president. Malala emphasised that extending such recognition would legitimise authoritarianism and embolden oppressive governance.
“We demand that the global civil society and partner nations join us in boycotting and condemning any platform extended to him,” Malala stated.
Their plea to the United Nations
DCP’s statement stressed that the United Nations must stand with the people, not with leaders accused of silencing dissent and fuelling bloodshed. The party warned that history would harshly judge any institution that gives authoritarian regimes cover under the pretence of diplomacy.
Citing international principles, the party reminded the world that the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and multiple treaties Kenya has signed all demand the protection of fundamental freedoms. Yet, the president, according to DCP, seeks to parade himself before the global community as a statesman, even as his government stands accused of violating those very freedoms at home.
The party declared solidarity with the young people of Kenya, noting that they have already begun petitioning the United Nations not to grant Ruto the honour of addressing the convention.
Consequences of recognising him
Malala said that to allow him such recognition would be tantamount to legitimising dictatorship, betraying women, youth, and ordinary citizens whose only act was to demand justice, accountability, and their basic rights.
“We therefore join the young people of Kenya in petitioning the United Nations not to grant him the honour of addressing the upcoming convention. Doing so would amount to legitimising dictatorship and tyranny and betraying the youth, the women and the people of Kenya, whose only “crime” was demanding their rights, justice and accountability,” He added
By reiterating these demands, DCP signalled its resolve to escalate domestic political grievances onto the global stage, framing President Ruto’s planned UNGA appearance as a test of the international community’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
During the presser, he also gave an update on Gachagua’s return, stating that his supporters will march from JKIA and hold a major rally in the CBD