Gachagua Dismisses Rift Claims in DCP, Says Malala Still Loyal

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims of a rift within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), saying his deputy party leader Cleophas Malala remains a committed member of the party despite his recent absence from key events.

Speaking during a radio interview on Sunday, 18 January, Gachagua said Malala missed a party retreat in Mombasa due to illness, not political differences. He explained that Malala fell ill with flu while in Kakamega after attending the Malala Super Cup and formally requested time off to recover. Gachagua said Malala would return to his duties once he had fully regained his health.

Gachagua described Malala as a loyal and dependable ally, rejecting suggestions of tension between them. He said claims that Malala had distanced himself from the party were false and politically motivated.

The former deputy president accused allies of President William Ruto of spreading misinformation to weaken the seven-month-old party. He said some recent defections had been anticipated, alleging that those who left were planted to destabilise the DCP. According to Gachagua, their departure had not affected the party’s leadership or direction.

Malala’s absence has continued to generate discussion, particularly on social media, where some commentators have questioned the party’s internal stability. His last public appearance with Gachagua was on 8 January during a tour of Nyeri County, and his continued low profile has fuelled speculation about his position within the party.

Gachagua said the partnership between himself and Malala was founded on shared political experiences, noting that both were removed from senior government roles. Gachagua was impeached as deputy president, while Malala was ousted as secretary general of the ruling United Democratic Alliance. He said their alliance led to the formation of the DCP as part of a wider opposition effort.

During the interview, Gachagua also called on residents of the Coast region to support the party, outlining plans to address land ownership disputes, job creation and investment in the blue economy. He said the opposition’s objective is to remove President Ruto from office in the 2027 general election.

He further denied accusations of ethnic bias, saying that his political agenda focused on protecting the rights of all Kenyans. Gachagua said the DCP is working to expand its support base nationally and present itself as a unified and credible alternative ahead of the next election.