Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has announced plans to embark on a 45-day political retreat at his Makunga residence in Kakamega County after the conclusion of his party leader Rigathi Gachagua’s 45-day political conclave, which is now in its final stages at his Wamunyoro home.

Speaking on his recently launched podcast, Bonga na Cleo, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader admitted that he had “slept on the job” by failing to aggressively market the party in Kakamega County while Gachagua was busy popularising the outfit across the Mount Kenya region.

“Nikidhani mimi nimezembea kidogo. Ukiona ODM, vile Raila na hao ma-deputy wake kama Oparanya walikuwa wanamarket chama hadi ODM inaingia kwa roho za watu. Hiyo ndio maana nataka Gachagua akimalizana na hiyo 45-day yake huko Wamunyoro; pia mimi nimuombe nifanye yangu hapa Kakamega niuze chama chetu cha DCP,” Malala said.

The former senator explained that once Gachagua concludes his Wamunyoro political retreat, he will seek permission from the former deputy president to begin a similar 45-day political seclusion in Kakamega. According to Malala, the exercise will focus on ensuring that DCP becomes firmly rooted in the vote-rich county ahead of the next general election.

His remarks came as he dismissed claims that DCP is merely a Mount Kenya regional party. Malala argued that if such a perception exists, he should shoulder part of the blame because he has not matched the efforts Gachagua has made in promoting the party in his own political backyard.

Malala draws parallels from ODM

He cited the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as an example, noting that although the party has its political roots in the Nyanza region because of its long association with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, its former deputy party leaders, including Wycliffe Oparanya and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, tirelessly marketed the party in their respective regions, helping transform it into a national political movement.

Malala expressed confidence that after completing his 45-day political retreat, DCP would be deeply entrenched in the hearts of Kakamega County residents and would have significantly expanded its support base across the region.

Gachagua to meet Uhuru

His announcement comes as Gachagua nears the end of his own 45-day political conclave at his Wamunyoro residence, where he has hosted a series of high-profile meetings with opposition leaders, political allies, and stakeholders.

Gachagua has previously stated that once the Wamunyoro consultations conclude, he will hold a meeting with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri home to brief him on the outcome of the discussions and seek his counsel before unveiling his next political steps.