Malala denies rift with Gachagua amid tension in DCP

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua (right) and deputy party leader Cleophas Malala during the launch of the party in Nairobi. [File, Standard] 

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has dismissed reports of a rift between him and party leader Rigathi Gachagua, insisting the two remain united despite growing speculation of divisions within the party.

The claims emerge at a time when questions are being raised about the cohesion of both the DCP and the broader United Opposition as political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election begin to take shape.

Sources within opposition circles have suggested that Malala has privately expressed concerns that the DCP is gradually transforming into a regional political outfit focused primarily on Mt Kenya interests instead of maintaining a national outlook.

The speculation gained momentum following Malala's absence from several key party meetings, despite occupying the second-highest position in the party hierarchy. Observers noted a shift in party operations after the appointment of Nyandarua Senator John Methu as Secretary General.

Before Methu's elevation, Malala was largely seen as the public face of the party, leading press briefings, coordinating membership recruitment and spearheading preparations for by-elections. Most of those responsibilities have since been assumed by Methu.

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega County, on Saturday, the former Kakamega Senator dismissed the reports as government-sponsored propaganda aimed at weakening the opposition.

"Because it is evident that Ruto’s government is going to be defeated, they have sponsored propaganda that there is a fallout between Rigathi Gachagua and me," Malala said.

He maintained that his relationship with Gachagua remains intact.

"I want to let those spreading these rumors know that Gachagua and I are one. We are as united as ever. They are simply trying to create divisions within the United Opposition to avoid defeat," he added.

Malala also reaffirmed his commitment to the party, noting that he played a key role in its formation.

"I want to state here clearly that I have no problem with my party leader. I am the deputy party leader and a founder of DCP," he said.

He further called on residents of Western Kenya to pray for Gachagua ahead of a court ruling expected on Monday concerning his impeachment case.

"I want you to pray for my party leader because the court will rule on Monday on his political journey. I wish him well from here at home. I want to tell him that the Luhya people love him, and we stand with him. As a party, let us ignore the newspaper headlines and focus on improving the leadership of this country," Malala said.

Despite his public show of loyalty, Malala's recent political activities have continued to fuel speculation. Over the past week, he has toured various parts of Kakamega County as he seeks support for his 2027 gubernatorial bid against incumbent Governor Fernandes Barasa.

While campaigning, Malala has repeatedly urged voters to deny President William Ruto a second term. However, observers have noted that he has largely avoided promoting the DCP or Gachagua during his local engagements.

Questions about opposition unity were further heightened after a much-publicised tour of Mumias Constituency by the Gachagua-led United Opposition failed to take place last Thursday without any official explanation.

Similarly, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa had announced during a function in Navakholo that the opposition would hold a major rally in the region last week, but the event never materialised.

Wamalwa has since continued his campaigns across Western Kenya independently, promoting the opposition agenda while criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration.

At the same time, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has been traversing the region alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a development that has further raised questions about coordination within the opposition camp.

Political risk analyst Dismas Mokua believes signs of tension between Gachagua and Malala cannot be ignored, attributing the situation to differences in political style and ambition.

"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck. The probability exists that Mr Gachagua and Mr Malala have drifted apart due to Mr Gachagua’s toxic politics and Mr Malala’s insatiable appetite for instant political success," Mokua said.

According to the analyst, a departure by Malala could significantly damage the party's national image and reinforce perceptions that the DCP is largely a regional political vehicle.

"Mending fences with Mr Malala is necessary but not sufficient. Mr Gachagua must embrace national politics and defend all Kenyans by aligning with a philosophy of equitable national resource distribution. The appointment of Senator Methu as the party’s spokesperson signals that Gachagua may not mind the DCP being perceived as a regional party," he said.

Mokua further argued that Malala's diminishing influence within the party's decision-making structures reflects deeper leadership challenges and has left the former senator politically isolated, particularly after failing to firmly secure Western Kenya as a stronghold for the party.