DCP: Gachagua dismisses mass exodus rumours

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Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed online speculation that his deputy, Cleophas Malala, had abandoned the party, after the latter re-emerged during the closing session of a three-day party retreat in Mombasa on Monday.

Malala’s absence from key engagements in recent weeks — including the start of the DCP retreat on Saturday — had triggered widespread online claims that he was distancing himself from Gachagua and considering a possible defection.

Speaking over the weekend, Mr Gachagua described the claims as “misleading propaganda” and firmly denied any rift between himself and his deputy.

He said Mr Malala had been unwell after hosting the Malala Super Cup tournament in Kakamega County late last year and had requested time off to recover from a severe flu.

“My deputy party leader, Cleophas Malala, is sick. He was in Kakamega during the Malala Super Cup, after which he developed a severe flu and requested time off to recover,” Gachagua said, dismissing defection claims.

On Monday, Mr Malala joined Gachagua and other DCP members of parliament at the conclusion of the retreat, underlining his continued role within the party’s leadership.

New role for Malala

At the end of the retreat, Gachagua announced that Malala would lead the implementation of the DCP’s 2026 Plan of Action, signalling confidence in his deputy’s commitment to the party’s agenda.

The plan was adopted by party legislators and leaders during the three-day meeting.

“After a three-day retreat with like-minded legislators, we have ratified the plan of action for the year. I have tasked Senator Cleophas Malala to spearhead the implementation on behalf of the party,” Mr Gachagua said.

The action plan outlines the party’s political, organisational and grassroots strategies as DCP positions itself ahead of broader election cycles.

Online discussion around Mr Malala’s role gained traction after he was missing from earlier sessions of the retreat, leading to speculation that relations within the party were strained.

Mr Gachagua’s clarification — including praise for Mr Malala as a “man of principle” and a “trusted ally” — sought to quell such narratives.

Political observers say rumours often surface in periods of high political activity, especially when senior figures are absent from public events.

However, both leaders presented a united front on Monday as they wrapped up the Mombasa retreat.