Has Gachagua Fallen Out With Malala? New Remarks Spark Debate
Fresh questions are emerging about the future of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) after party leader Rigathi Gachagua appeared to reveal a serious disagreement with one of his key allies from Western Kenya.
Speaking on party affairs, Gachagua disclosed that he recently fell out with a prominent ally from the Western region after the individual allegedly accused DCP of becoming tribal and focusing exclusively on Mt Kenya interests. According to Gachagua, the remarks angered him, leading to a sharp exchange that appears to have damaged their relationship.
“I had a strong ally from the Western region who recently called me to tell me DCP has gone tribal and is only defending Mt Kenya interests. I scolded him and asked him whom he wanted to defend Mt Kenya people. I have since told him that my respect for him is gone,” Gachagua said.
Although the former Deputy President did not mention the individual by name, the comments have triggered widespread speculation that he may have been referring to Cleophas Malala, one of DCP’s most prominent leaders from Western Kenya and a politician who has recently maintained a lower public profile within the party.
The remarks come amid growing rumors of internal disagreements within DCP, with political observers noting that Malala has been noticeably absent from several high-profile party activities and political events in recent months. His reduced visibility has fueled speculation that all may not be well within the opposition outfit as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Malala was widely seen as one of the key figures helping Gachagua expand DCP’s influence beyond the Mt Kenya region. His role in party mobilization and his strong public support for Gachagua had positioned him as one of the former Deputy President’s closest political allies. As a result, any sign of tension between the two is likely to attract significant political attention.
Analysts say the latest remarks could complicate DCP’s efforts to present itself as a national political movement capable of attracting support from different regions of the country. Critics of the party have frequently accused it of focusing primarily on Mt Kenya interests, allegations that Gachagua has repeatedly rejected.
Supporters of the former Deputy President argue that his comments were aimed at defending the interests of his political base rather than attacking other regions. However, opponents contend that the remarks may reinforce concerns about the party’s ability to build a truly national coalition ahead of the next election.
The developments have also reignited debate on social media, with supporters and critics offering different interpretations of Gachagua’s statement. Some believe the comments confirm growing divisions within DCP, while others argue they simply reflect normal disagreements that occur within political parties.
Neither Malala nor senior DCP officials have publicly responded to the latest remarks. However, the statement is likely to intensify scrutiny over the relationship between the two leaders and raise fresh questions about the party’s internal cohesion.
As political realignments continue to gather pace ahead of 2027, attention will remain focused on whether Gachagua and Malala can repair any differences that may exist or whether the speculation surrounding a possible split will continue to grow.
