Cleophas Malala Dismisses Claims of Being Sidelined in Gachagua's DCP Party

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has dismissed claims that he has been sidelined by senior officials in the opposition outfit, insisting that he remains an influential figure within the party.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV's Sunday Live, the former Kakamega Senator rejected suggestions that he had fallen out of favour with party leader Rigathi Gachagua.

Malala described himself as one of the founding members of DCP, arguing that his position in the party was not threatened by the activities or influence of other officials.

“It is only an inferior mind which can feel that (sidelined). I think I am too superior for that,” Malala told journalist Jeff Koinange.

“I am among the founding members of DCP. This is my party, the first that I founded,” he added.

The former Senator also dismissed claims that Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who serves as the party's acting Secretary General, had been elevated to oversee DCP affairs during Gachagua's recent visit to the United States.

According to Malala, Methu's responsibilities have largely focused on coordinating party mobilisation activities, particularly across the Mt Kenya region.

He argued that assigning different leaders specific mobilisation roles was part of the party's organisational strategy rather than an indication of changes in its leadership hierarchy.

“What business will I be doing mobilising people in Karatina? I think Methu has a better sense of occasion to mobilise people in Karatina,” Malala posed.

He further played down perceptions that Methu had acquired significant influence within the party, describing his role as being primarily focused on the Mt Kenya region.

“We had to assign Methu to keep the mountain warm. And he did a very good job,” Malala said.

Malala Says DCP Is Expanding Beyond Mt Kenya

The DCP deputy leader also challenged the perception that the party was primarily a Mt Kenya political outfit, arguing that the region was only one of its major political strongholds.

He maintained that the party was building a national support base and pointed to its performance in by-elections outside Mt Kenya as evidence of its expanding influence.

Malala said DCP was increasingly gaining support among communities beyond the region, including the Maasai and Kipsigis.

“Our influence is growing day by day in the Maasai community and even in Kipsigis land,” he argued.

His remarks come as opposition parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with DCP seeking to consolidate its political influence across different regions.

The question of party leadership, regional mobilisation and the expansion of its support base is likely to remain important as DCP prepares for the next electoral contest.