Gachagua Shuts Down Malala Defection Rumours as he Launches Coast Charm Offensive
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed speculation that Cleopas Malala has defected from his political camp, as he intensified efforts to court voters in the Coast region, a key battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Gachagua, who is touring the region accompanied by more than 20 Members of Parliament, called on Coast residents to partner with his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), arguing that the party offers solutions to long-standing regional challenges including drug trafficking, land injustices, and youth unemployment.
The Coast commands over two million votes and remains politically competitive, with dominant parties including ODM, UDA, PAA, and Jubilee. Mr Gachagua said he plans to spend extended periods in the region to popularise DCP’s policies and build grassroots support.
He insisted that reports suggesting senior allies were abandoning his party were false and politically motivated.
“That is propaganda,” Mr Gachagua said. “My deputy party leader, Cleopas Malala, is unwell. He is a brave and courageous leader who takes a firm stand, and he will be back very soon.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with M Radio, the former Deputy President said Mr Malala fell ill after attending the Malala Super Cup in Kakamega and had requested time off to recover.
“But the Ruto propaganda team must spread rumours that so-and-so has decamped,” he added.
Mr Gachagua said Mr Malala is expected to resume political engagements on Monday and praised him for helping DCP secure the Kisa East parliamentary seat, adding that preparations were underway for the Malava by-election.
“I trust him fully. He is very hardworking,” he said.
The opposition leader also dismissed claims that other allies had defected to President William Ruto’s camp, insisting that those who left were government moles planted within his ranks.
“We knew them. They were not my people; they belonged to President Ruto. It was just a matter of time before they returned home,” he said, without naming individuals.
Mr Gachagua said one individual exited the party after being denied a direct nomination, maintaining that DCP operates on democratic principles.
“There are no direct tickets in DCP. Everyone must go through nominations, even those who spend a lot of time with me,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Gachagua urged Coast residents to unite in efforts to remove President Ruto from power, accusing the government of failing Kenyans, particularly in the health and education sectors.
“We will remove him by partnering with Kenyans. I will travel to every corner of the country to explain our plans and the journey ahead,” he said.
Outlining his policy priorities for the Coast, Mr Gachagua said a DCP government would crack down on drug trafficking, shut down illicit alcohol manufacturing plants, and establish specialised rehabilitation centres in all Level Four hospitals.
“The fight against narcotics must begin at our ports, airports, and borders,” he said.
“Our children have become zombies, and we must rescue them before they perish.”
Rejecting accusations of tribalism, Mr Gachagua said he is a defender of all Kenyans and criticised regional leaders for failing to invest adequately in education and youth welfare.
He further pledged to address land injustices, saying a future DCP administration would prioritise the resettlement of squatters by purchasing land from absentee landlords.
Mr Gachagua said the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture would be key drivers of economic growth at the Coast, describing tourism as the backbone of the region’s economy.
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Gachagua Shuts Down Malala Defection Rumours as he Launches Coast Charm Offensive