Malala Dismisses Rift Claims With Gachagua, Insists Opposition Remains United Ahead of 2027 Polls
Democracy for the Citizens’ Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has firmly dismissed claims of a fallout with party leader Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that the opposition remains united despite mounting speculation over his recent absence from several high-profile political events.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in Kakamega County on Saturday, Malala rubbished reports suggesting tensions between him and the former Deputy President, describing the claims as a deliberate propaganda campaign intended to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Kakamega Senator told mourners that political opponents were attempting to create divisions within the opposition by spreading false narratives about the relationship between him and Gachagua.
“Since the Ruto administration knows it will go home, today it has sponsored propaganda that Rigathi Gachagua and I have differed,” Malala said.
“I want to tell those people spreading such propaganda that Gachagua and I are very much united. Those are lies that are being spread to divide the united opposition. I want to say here that I have no problem with my party leader. I am the deputy party leader for DCP.”
His remarks come amid growing speculation over his conspicuous absence from several opposition functions attended by Gachagua and other senior leaders in recent weeks, prompting rumours that cracks had emerged within the party’s leadership.
However, Malala sought to put the matter to rest, reaffirming his loyalty to the party and maintaining that there were no disagreements between him and the former Deputy President.
Beyond addressing the political speculation, the DCP deputy leader launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing the government of failing to address key development challenges facing residents of Kakamega County.
Malala claimed that public services had deteriorated and criticised what he termed inadequate budgetary allocations for infrastructure development in the region.
“Kakamega, we cannot continue this way for ten years. There is no medicine in hospitals. If you look at the budget, they have not allocated any money for roads in Kakamega,” he claimed.
The opposition politician also weighed in on discussions surrounding the proposed establishment of Ebola quarantine facilities in Kakamega, saying residents had concerns about the selected locations despite supporting public health preparedness measures.
“I want to tell you that we do not accept those two Ebola quarantine facilities here. Savula, it is okay to prepare, but it is the choice of the quarantine facilities that I am questioning,” Malala said.
He further urged residents to remain united and oppose the planned facilities until their concerns regarding the proposed sites were adequately addressed.
The remarks underscore the growing political activity within opposition circles as leaders intensify grassroots mobilisation campaigns ahead of the next general election, while also highlighting emerging debates over healthcare preparedness and development priorities in western Kenya.