Malala changes tune, backs Mukhisa Kituyi’s appointment
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 7, 2025Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy party Leader Cleophas Malala has softened his stance on the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition.
In a video posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Malala explained that although he initially opposed the decision, he has now resolved to support it after consultations with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Malala admitted he had preferred a younger candidate for the position.
“Juzi, mmeona tumekuwa na shida kidogo. Wakati the United Opposition ilikuwa inachagua secretariats, principals wakachagua Mukhisa Kituyi. Mimi kibinafsi nikasema hapana, hii nafasi ipatiwe kijana. Kwa sababu vijana ndio wanafaa waweke moto,” he said.
Gachagua’s hand
However, Malala revealed that Gachagua personally intervened and convinced him to reconsider his stand.
“Rigathi Gachagua akaniita, akaniambia Cleo, ata wewe unatetea vijana sana, lakini ata wazee wanataka kuwa pale kwa uongozi. Akanielezea kwa nini ikuwe Mukhisa. Mimi nikasema kwa sababu Riggy G amesema, mimi naunga mkono,” he added.
During a church service in Nyandarua on Sunday, September 7, the former deputy president argued that the party needed to balance the energy of youth with the wisdom of seasoned leaders.
“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 said.
Youth advocacy remains firm
Malalah, who has often branded himself as a champion of youth empowerment, insisted that his advocacy for younger leadership remains unchanged. He clarified that backing Kituyi does not mean abandoning his belief that the future of the party and the country lies with the younger generation.
“Riggy G akisema left mimi naenda left,” he remarked, signalling his loyalty to the DCP leader while still standing by his call for youthful participation in politics.
The development comes at a time when the DCP is facing mounting internal pressure. In recent days, protests have erupted in Meru and Embu counties over changes in local party leadership. Some aspirants have accused the party of sidelining grassroots voices, warning that it could affect candidate selection ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has moved to calm the unrest, assuring members that the DCP remains committed to a fair and transparent process. On Saturday, September 6, he told over 200 aspirants that the party would not favour any individual in the nomination process.
“Every aspirant will be given an equal opportunity based on merit, commitment, and the will of the people,” he said.
Despite these tensions, Gachagua has emphasised unity within the opposition, stressing that the coalition is determined to rally behind one presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge President William Ruto. Kituyi’s appointment, according to Gachagua, is part of efforts to strengthen the United Opposition’s organisational structure.