Trouble is brewing in Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party as allies attack the party’s deputy leader, Cleophas Malala.
The most recent challenger, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, has accused Malala of extortion and says the allegations have harmed the party’s image. Murango told Inooro TV that the party has moles who aim to sabotage the opposition.
He also said he has never gotten along with Malala, adding that about 80 percent of other DCP leaders share the same view.
“Malala can do anything for the money. You can’t tell me you are in the party and your work is to go out collecting money, soiling the party’s name,” Murango said.
He added, “That’s the truth. And I have told our boss that this guy will come to mess things up.”
Murango further claimed that while Gachagua has already focused on the Mt Kenya region, Malala has abandoned his own base.
“He has left people in Western Kenya to do whatever they want, even though he should be helping us there. He doesn’t speak there,” he said.
“I don’t know his relationship with the party leader, but for me, we don’t get along.”
The Kirinyaga senator said the party’s recent changes aimed to rein in Malala, arguing that he effectively named himself the party secretary general.
“He keeps going around taking money from the betrayers, who now work with the government and promise to hand them tickets,” Murango said.
In March, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accused Malala of secretly working with political rivals to undermine Gachagua.
She said Malala held a late-night meeting with Kirinyaga MCAs in Kenol to form a splinter faction.
Maina, who backs Gachagua closely, also alleged that Malala funded the MCAs, who align with Governor Anne Waiguru and oppose Gachagua’s political allies.
She claimed those funds came from individuals trying to derail the political goals of their movement.
Last week, Malala clarified reports that he had fallen out with Gachagua after facing media questions.
Speaking in Ikolomani on Saturday, Malala said DCP leadership still operates as one team, despite growing speculation in political circles. He added that people spreading claims of a rift between him and Gachagua run a propaganda campaign designed to split the opposition.
“This Ruto government knows it is going home, and today it sponsored propaganda that Rigathi Gachagua and I have a falling out,” Malala said.
“I want to tell those who spread that rumour that Rigathi Gachagua and I are together. They want to spread rumours to divide us so that the United Opposition does not defeat the government.”
Patrick Butichi, a candidate for the Kakamega senatorial seat, claimed that plans are underway to oust Malala from the DCP.
“Just like he was removed from UDA, there are plans to push Malala out of DCP… He should come back home and work with Senator Edwin Sifuna in Linda Mwananchi,” he said.
