Rift deepens in DCP as Gachagua, Malala differ on Kituyi appointment

Newsflash Repoter

Disagreements within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) played out in public again after party leader Rigathi Gachagua defended the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition, dismissing criticism from his deputy Cleophas Malala.

Speaking during a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, September 7, Gachagua said Malala had misunderstood the party’s intentions in appointing Kituyi. He explained that while DCP has many young leaders, experience and mentorship remain crucial in steering the opposition coalition.

“Malala is a very capable young leader, but he misunderstood our intentions,” Gachagua said. “We chose Dr. Kituyi to lead the secretariat because while we have plenty of Gen Z and Millennial leaders, they still need mentorship and direction.”

The remarks came two days after Malala publicly criticized Kituyi’s appointment, arguing that the opposition needed fresh energy and dynamic leadership rather than recycling older politicians. Malala, who has been vocal about youth representation, skipped a key coalition meeting in Nairobi, further fueling speculation of deepening divisions within the party.

Malala’s dissent and by-election row

On September 5, after opposition leaders moved to formalize the United Opposition ahead of the November by-elections, Malala questioned the coalition’s decision-making, insisting that youthful, visionary figures should be prioritized.

“The United Opposition must embrace youthful, dynamic leadership to move the country forward. Unfortunately, Kituyi does not represent that vision,” Malala said.

The DCP deputy also sparked controversy after suggesting that the party would field its own candidate for the Mbeere North by-election, despite coalition partners calling for a joint candidate with DAP-Kenya. His absence from strategy meetings underscored mounting tensions.

The wrangles intensified after Duncan Mbui, who had been unveiled as the DCP candidate for Mbeere North, ditched the party to run as an independent. In his statement, Mbui alleged that DCP had been pressured by coalition partners to withdraw its candidate, a move he termed unfair.

Gachagua calls for calm and unity

In his Kipipiri address, Gachagua said he had spoken to Malala privately and urged him to remain calm, reminding members that leadership requires both youthful energy and seasoned wisdom.

“Leadership is not just about age. Wisdom and experience matter. We must support our young leaders by surrounding them with people who can guide them,” Gachagua emphasized.

He reiterated that the DCP remains committed to democratic processes, including transparent nominations, and assured supporters that the United Opposition’s ultimate goal is to rally behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

The latest wrangles highlight the fragile nature of the opposition coalition, with internal disputes threatening to derail its unity ahead of critical by-elections. Whether Gachagua and Malala can resolve their differences and steer DCP toward stability remains to be seen as the opposition prepares for bigger political battles in the coming years.