A political storm is brewing within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) following a public accusation by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina against the party’s deputy leader and former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala.

In a scathing statement shared via her official X account on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in which she tagged Malala, Maina claimed that the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general had met a section of Kirinyaga Members of County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Governor Anne Waiguru.

Weakening Gachagua’s influence

According to her, Malala facilitated the said MCAs with Ksh20,000 each, the money she claims was intended to create a splinter group in Kirinyaga County aimed at weakening DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua’s political influence.

“@Cleophasmalala I am aware that yesterday, between 8.00PM-10.00PM, you met a section of MCA’s allied to Gov. Anne Waiguru from Kirinyaga county at Golden Palm Kenol. I’m also aware that the agenda was to create a splinter group to fight H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH’s foot soldiers in that county. You facilitated the MCAs in attendance with Kshs. 20,000; monies you obtained from persons who seek to derail the agenda of the people and the united alternative government,” Maina stated.

While questioning Malala’s motive, Maina claimed to have held private meetings with Malala before and dared him to “bring it on”.

“I do not know what personal vendetta you have with leaders supporting H.E in 020, and I want to say this publicly so that it is on record. You are aware that we have had private meetings over this issue so excuse my lack of discretion on this, as you’ve now crossed the Rubicon,” she stated.

“You infamously had the bad habit, as SG in your former party, of soliciting money from all everyone and anyone for favors, unfortunately, it seems that you have not changed one bit. So bring it on, you shall face off with me where the rubber meets the road.”

Malala has yet to respond publicly, but the statement threatens to deepen divisions within DCP as Gachagua seeks to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ditching DCP

Malala has previously stated that he is in the Gachagua-led DCP party to stay.

Speaking at the Coast during a DCP party retreat on Monday, January 20, 2026, Malala dismissed speculations that he had ditched the party and rejoined the ruling UDA, from which he was unceremoniously chased out at a time when the former Deputy President was also staring at a possible ouster in 2024.

He described DCP as his baby, saying he cannot abandon it.

“How can I abandon my own baby? I am in DCP to stay. Those people propagating lies and disinformation that I have left the DCP party for UDA, I want to tell them categorically that I am here to stay,” Malala said.