Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has stated that for President William Ruto to be defeated, he needs a competitor who is a seasoned politician, not a manager-like figure.

While speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday, May 4, 2026, the outspoken former senator continued explaining that it would be a walkover if the opposition presents a flag bearer who is naive or a manager or technocrat who does not understand the country’s networks, ethnic dynamics, or political structures.

“To defeat Ruto, you don’t give him a naive competitor or someone who is purely managerial and does not understand Kenya’s political network. Ruto would easily defeat such a person,” Malala said

He needs a politician who knows how to mobilise tribes and understands the real political networks in Kenya.

Malala added that the only way to defeat Ruto is by organising along ethnic lines, noting that although it is a sensitive issue that many shy away from, it reflects how Kenya’s political landscape is structured.

According to him, it is not wrong for communities to organise themselves into ethnic caucuses in the quest for power, as long as it is “positive ethnicity”.

“The only thing that can remove Ruto from power is the mobilisation of Ukabila. However, no one should vilify anyone because of their tribe, as that is where Kenyan politics tends to revolve. If mobilisation of communities is the only way Ruto can be removed, then so be it.”

Malala endorse Gachagua

This comes at a time when Malala has been positioning his party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, as the best contender in the united opposition to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections. Malala has expressed confidence in his party boss as a strong force that could easily unseat Ruto from office.

“Kutoa Ruto inahitaji mwanaume mwenye anamuelewa na amefanya kazi na yeye. Tukiangalia vizuri, na mimi nimefanya kazi kama SG UDA, huyo ni Gachagua,” Malala stated.

Gachagua welcomes the endorsement

Gachagua, on his part, welcomed the move, stating that his party members have already endorsed him for the position and that he will be ready if the united opposition agrees on him as their joint flag bearer to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.