DCP Unity Tested as Malala Snubs Coast Retreat and Defection Fears Rise
Fresh questions have emerged over the political future of former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala after he conspicuously skipped a high-profile strategy retreat organised by the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) at the Coast.
The three-day meeting, held in Mombasa, brought together senior lawmakers allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to review the party’s progress eight months after its formation and to map out its strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
However, Malala — widely regarded as Gachagua’s deputy within the party — was notably absent, fuelling speculation about his standing within the DCP and his long-term political plans.
Gachagua Talks 2027 as Malala Stays Away
Addressing the gathering, Gachagua struck a defiant and campaign-style tone, framing the retreat as a turning point for the opposition movement.
“I am honoured to host like-minded legislators for a three-day retreat at the coast,” Gachagua said.
“We shall have time to review the year that was and plan ahead for the year and the 10th of August 2027, when Kenya will be liberated from the bad leadership we are in.”
Despite the strong rhetoric and the presence of a sizeable delegation of senators and MPs, Malala’s absence did not go unnoticed. He has also been missing from recent DCP rallies, deepening questions about whether cracks are beginning to appear within Gachagua’s camp.
A group photograph taken on the sidelines of the meeting showed no sign of the former senator, further intensifying speculation among political observers.
Strategic Plans Unveiled as Leadership Questions Linger
During the retreat, Gachagua tasked the party’s organising secretary, Senator Mithika Linturi, with walking members through the DCP’s roadmap for 2026 as the party positions itself for the next election cycle.
“Our DCP organising secretary, Senator Mithika, will take the members through plans for the year,” Gachagua said.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
While the leadership projected unity and momentum, Malala’s silence and continued absence have left supporters and critics alike questioning whether he remains fully aligned with the party’s direction.
Who Attended the Mombasa Retreat?
Among the senators present were John Methu (Nyandarua), Ole Seki (Kajiado), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), Karungo Thang’wa (Kiambu) and Joe Nyutu (Murang’a).
Also in attendance were MPs Kamau Munyoro, James Gakuya, Wanjiku Muhia, Gitonga Mukunji, Amos Mwago, Geoffrey Wandeto, Jayne Kihara, Onesmus Ngogoyo, John Kaguchia, Kamande Mwafrika, Wakili Muriu, Gacheri Maina, alongside Nyeri County Assembly Speaker Gichuhi Mwangi and MCA David Mathenge.
The strong turnout contrasted sharply with Malala’s absence, prompting renewed debate about his future role — or lack thereof — within the party.
Defection Fears and Loyalty Questions Inside DCP
The DCP has recently been dogged by reports of looming defections, following the exits of Juja MP George Koimburi and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.
Against this backdrop, rumours also surfaced suggesting Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji was considering abandoning Gachagua’s camp — claims he has firmly denied.
Mukunji dismissed the speculation as politically motivated, accusing former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria of pushing a false narrative.
He insisted his politics were driven by principle rather than personal ambition or proximity to President William Ruto’s administration.
The MP pointed to his opposition to the 2024 Finance Bill and his outspoken defence of youth during a period marked by abductions, saying those positions had even seen him labelled a “terrorist”.
Mukunji was scathing in his assessment of the government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises.
He vowed never to align himself with the Kenya Kwanza administration, claiming President Ruto had repeatedly misled Kenyans — including with pledges to transform the country into a “Singapore”.
Spotlight Turns to Malala’s Next Move
As Gachagua continues to rally lawmakers and aspiring politicians around his emerging political vehicle, attention is increasingly turning to Cleophas Malala’s silence.
With the 2027 race already taking shape, Malala’s continued absence from key party activities is likely to intensify speculation over whether he remains a central figure in the DCP — or whether another political realignment is quietly unfolding.
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DCP Unity Tested as Malala Snubs Coast Retreat and Defection Fears Rise