Malala dismisses fallout claims with Gachagua amid speculations
By Kenneth Mwenda, June 6, 2026Cleophas Malala has dismissed claims of a political fallout with Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that they remain united within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leadership despite rising speculation in political circles.
Speaking on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Shivagala area in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, during the final rites of the late Mzee Boaz Lijoodi, Malala said reports of a disagreement between him and Gachagua were part of a propaganda campaign meant to divide the opposition.
He maintained that he holds no personal or political conflict with the party leader and reaffirmed his position as the deputy party leader of DCP.
“No problem with my party leader”
Addressing mourners, Malala directly rejected the rumours linking him to a fallout with Gachagua, saying the claims were politically motivated.
“Mimi nimeona hii serikali ya Ruto inajua inaenda nyumbani, leo imesponsor propaganda ati mimi na Rigathi Gachagua tumekosana. Mimi nataka kuwaambia watu ambao wamepeleka hiyo porojo kwamba sisi na Rigathi Gachagua tumeshikana kabisa, hiyo ni porojo. Wanataka kuleta porojo ili watugawanyishe, united opposition isishinde serikali,” he said.
He added that his working relationship with Gachagua remained intact and urged supporters not to believe rumours circulating in political spaces.
“I want to say here I have no problem with my party leader. I am the deputy party leader of DCP. Na mimi ni mwanzilishi wa hiyo chama,” Malala stated.
Pressure mounts after missed DCP events
Questions began circulating after Malala skipped multiple press briefings and political events involving senior DCP leaders.
According to party observers, the absence became more noticeable after Nyandarua Senator John Methu was appointed Secretary General of the party. Since then, Methu has increasingly acted as the party’s chief public spokesperson, often speaking on behalf of the leadership.
The shift triggered speculation that Malala’s influence within the party structure may have changed, even though he still officially holds the position of deputy party leader.
The political debate intensified after Gachagua revealed during a media interview that a political ally from Western Kenya had accused DCP of becoming tribal and overly focused on Mt Kenya interests.
Although Gachagua did not name the individual, the remarks triggered speculation within political circles, with some linking the concerns to Malala due to his senior role in the party and his reduced visibility at recent events.
This narrative added to growing commentary that DCP risked being seen as a regionally concentrated party rather than a national political movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Leadership tension over Methu’s SG role and Ol Kalou test
Further complicating the internal debate are earlier remarks by Malala regarding the appointment of John Methu as secretary general.
In a television interview on June 4, 2026, Malala hinted that Methu’s position could be reviewed depending on his performance in upcoming party assignments, particularly the Ol Kalou by-election.
He stated that Methu had been given a major responsibility to deliver the seat and that his confirmation could depend on the outcome.
“We have given Methu a very big assignment — to deliver the Ol Kalou by-election. That is a major test for him,” Malala said.
“If he fails to deliver, we will have to review the arrangement because we gave him the responsibility of ensuring that DCP wins the Ol Kalou by-election.”
His remarks sparked debate within political circles, especially given Methu’s recent appointment as acting secretary general.
Methu, who is serving in an interim capacity due to his current position in the Senate, has been tasked alongside other leaders to spearhead the campaign for DCP candidate Samuel Kamau Ngotho in the Ol Kalou mini-poll scheduled for July 16, 2026.
The DCP has recently undergone internal changes, including the reassignment of former Secretary General Hezron Obaga to an executive director role, while Methu stepped into the SG position.
Malala, however, has publicly dismissed claims that he is opposed to the restructuring, instead describing Methu as a capable young leader.
Despite this, political observers continue to watch the shifting roles closely, arguing that the changes may be shaping new power centres within the party.
Court case and party direction
Malala also referenced ongoing legal developments affecting the party leadership, saying the opposition would be watching a court decision expected on Monday regarding Gachagua’s political future.
“Jumatatu tunaenda kupata uamuzi wa kortini kama yeye ataendelea na safari yake ama korti itamsimamisha,” he said.
He noted that the party would stand by its leader and await the court’s direction, while calling for unity within the opposition as it prepares for future political contests.
The former senator used the gathering to reinforce the message that the opposition remains united, warning against attempts to weaken it through internal division narratives.
He argued that such claims are meant to distract supporters and weaken momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Political speculation had grown in recent weeks following Malala’s absence from several high-profile DCP events, where Gachagua has been increasingly visible alongside other party officials. However, Malala rejected suggestions that this signalled internal disagreement.
Despite speculation, Malala maintained that his role in DCP remains unchanged and insisted that both he and Gachagua are aligned in their political objectives.