Malala hints at stripping Methu of DCP SG role if he fails to deliver Ol Kalou seat
By Mabonga Makhanu, June 5, 2026Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has hinted at the possibility of stripping Nyandarua Senator John Methu of his recently acquired Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) secretary-general position should he fail to deliver victory in the upcoming Ol Kalou mini-poll.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the outspoken DCP deputy party leader stated that Methu, who is currently holding the secretary-general position in an acting capacity, must prove his ability by delivering the party’s first major assignment.
According to Malala, if Methu fails to ensure that DCP wins the Ol Kalou by-election, the party could review his status and may not proceed with confirming him as the substantive secretary-general.
“We have given Methu a very big assignment — to deliver the Ol Kalou by-election. That is a major test for him. If he delivers, we will have every confidence in confirming him as the secretary-general,” he said.
“However, 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.”
He further stated that it is upon the Nyandarua senator to demonstrate that he is capable of permanently holding the influential position by successfully leading the party’s campaign in the mini-poll.
DCP party changes
Malala’s remarks come amid recent speculation that he was unhappy with the changes within the DCP leadership that saw Methu replace Hezron Obaga as secretary-general, with Obaga being reassigned to the position of executive director.
The former senator dismissed the claims, insisting that he fully supports Methu’s appointment. He described Methu as a fearless young leader, citing his recent remarks in which he told President William Ruto that while he respects him, he does not fear him.
Methu SG appointment
The comments come just days after Methu was appointed DCP secretary-general designate. He was not appointed on a permanent basis because he was elected to the Senate on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Consequently, he is expected to serve in an interim capacity pending his resignation from UDA and subsequent confirmation by DCP.
Following his appointment, Methu was tasked, alongside Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, with ensuring that DCP candidate Samuel Kamau Ngotho wins the upcoming Ol Kalou mini-poll scheduled for July 16.
Old Kalou by-election contest
Methu accepted the challenge and pledged to deliver victory for the party. He stated that he would camp in the constituency and personally oversee the campaign to ensure that DCP secures the parliamentary seat.
True to his word, Methu has since been traversing different parts of the constituency in a bid to popularise the party’s candidate ahead of the contest. Ngotho is expected to face stiff competition from UDA candidate Samuel Muchina in what is shaping up to be a closely watched by-election.