DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed the absence of his deputy Mr. Cleophas Malala since Christmas Holidays, putting to rest speculation surrounding the whereabouts of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader.
The former deputy president addressed the issue during a radio interview on Sunday, January 18, where he clarified that Malala’s absence from recent party activities was due to illness and not political realignment, as had been widely speculated.
Gachagua dismissed claims that Malala had defected from his camp after failing to attend a DCP retreat in Mombasa, describing such reports as deliberate propaganda aimed at sowing discord within the party. He explained that Malala fell ill while in Kakamega during the Malala Super Cup tournament and subsequently sought time off to recover after developing a severe flu.
“My deputy party leader Cleophas Malala is unwell. He was in Kakamega for the Malala Super Cup, after which he developed a serious flu and requested sick leave to recover,” Gachagua said, adding that Malala is expected to resume party duties from Monday once fully recovered.
The DCP leader praised Malala as a principled, courageous, and hardworking politician, firmly dismissing any suggestions of a fallout between them. He further accused President William Ruto’s allies of spreading rumors that Malala and other DCP members were defecting, claiming some of those who had already left were political moles planted to destabilize his movement.
Gachagua insisted that the DCP remains united and resilient, stating that alleged defectors were never genuine allies. “I knew they were spies. It was only a matter of time before they revealed themselves,” he said.
Malala has kept a notably low profile in recent weeks, missing several high-profile events attended by Gachagua. His last public appearance alongside the DCP leader was on January 8 during the party’s tour of Nyeri County. His absence, particularly during the Mombasa retreat, sparked online debate and speculation about possible internal wrangles within the seven-month-old party – claims Gachagua has strongly rejected.
The two leaders forged a close political alliance after Gachagua’s impeachment as Deputy President and Malala’s removal as Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Their shared political fallout laid the groundwork for the formation of the DCP, with Gachagua as party leader and Malala as his deputy.
In the same interview, Gachagua appealed to residents of the Coast region to rally behind the DCP, saying the party is focused on building a strong national presence ahead of the 2027 General Election. He reiterated that the United Opposition is determined to unseat President Ruto.
Gachagua also rejected accusations that he promotes ethnic interests, arguing that his political stance is driven by the need to protect the rights of all Kenyans. Looking ahead to a possible opposition victory in 2027, he promised Coast residents solutions to long-standing land disputes, investment in the blue economy, and expanded employment opportunities.