Cleophas Malala set to exit Gachagua's DCP- Sources

By Newsflash Reporter

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 19 — Signs of internal strain are increasingly evident within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), amid indications that Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala may be preparing to sever ties with the Rigathi Gachagua-led outfit, according to informed sources.

Insiders say Malala’s noticeable absence from key party engagements in recent months has intensified speculation of an impending political divorce, with credible voices now suggesting that the former Kakamega senator is weighing an exit from DCP.

Speculation over Malala’s next move

Sources familiar with the developments claim Malala is likely to find his way back to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party where he once held the influential position of interim secretary-general before his eventual ouster.

“Malala’s departure from DCP is inevitable; it is simply a question of when he will formally announce it,” a source told Capital News, pointing to advanced internal consultations ahead of the anticipated move.

The unfolding rift is reportedly rooted in the recent Malava parliamentary by-election, which was won by UDA’s David Ndakwa. Tensions allegedly flared after Gachagua opted to support DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako instead of DCP’s Edgar Busiega. Busiega later pulled out of the race, a decision that insiders say deeply displeased Malala.

Malava by-election fallout

Malala’s political journey has seen several shifts over the years. He was first elected Kakamega senator in the 2017 General Election on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket. In the 2022 polls, he vied for the Kakamega governorship under the UDA banner but was defeated by ODM’s Fernandes Barasa.

Political observers now suggest Malala is positioning himself for a comeback to the Kakamega Senate seat in 2027, with his possible departure from DCP viewed as part of an early realignment ahead of the next General Election cycle.

Gachagua plays down divisions

Despite the growing speculation, Gachagua has played down claims of a fallout, insisting that Malala remains a committed party member who is temporarily absent due to health reasons.

Addressing supporters during a political forum, the former Deputy President described Malala as a courageous and principled leader who fell ill after attending the Malala Super Cup tournament in Kakamega and subsequently sought permission to step back from party duties to recover.

“Cleophas Malala is a bold leader and a man of principle. After attending the Malala Super Cup in Kakamega, he became seriously unwell and requested time off to rest before resuming his responsibilities,” Gachagua said.

He went on to accuse individuals aligned with President Ruto of deliberately spreading falsehoods to paint DCP as fractured, arguing that such narratives were part of a wider political strategy aimed at undermining the party.

“These people around Ruto are stranded. All they seem to do now is peddle rumours,” Gachagua remarked.

Nonetheless, DCP has in recent months been rocked by a wave of notable defections. Several lawmakers previously associated with Gachagua’s political camp have exited, among them Juja MP George Koimburi, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua, Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, further fuelling perceptions of instability within the party.