Malala Dismisses Gachagua Rift Claims And Declares Opposition Unity
News Updated: 07 June 2026 14:54 EAT
DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua and his Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala days back
Former Kakamega Senator and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala used a funeral gathering in Mlembe, Ikolomani to dismiss reports of divisions with party leader Rigathi Gachagua while also launching criticism against county and national leadership.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of Mzee Boaz, Malala began by paying tribute to the deceased, describing him as a respected elder who invested in education and leadership development within the community.
“Mzee Boaz alikuwa mzee ambaye alikuwa anaamini masomo. Na vile tunamlaza leo hapa kwa niaba ya watoto wote na wanafunzi wote ambao walipitishwa kwa mikono yake, tunasema roho yake ilale mahali pema peponi. Pia ametuonyesha namna familia inaweza kusimama kwa umoja na kuendelea kulea viongozi wa kesho.”
Malala later turned the event into a reflection on leadership and local politics, praising younger leaders and encouraging continuity in public service within Ikolomani and Kakamega politics.
He revisited his political journey in county leadership and defended the early years of devolution, arguing that development outcomes during the first years of county government were stronger despite smaller budgets.
“Mimi nilikuwa mwanzilishi wa masuala ya devolution wakati nilikuwa MCA katika first assembly na Deputy Speaker wa kwanza wa Kakamega. Tulikuwa tunapata bilioni tisa pekee yake lakini maendeleo yalikuwa yanaonekana zaidi. Tulikuwa tunajenga ECD nyingi kila mwaka lakini leo tunaona fedha zimeongezeka na miradi imepungua.”
The former senator criticised the current pace of development in Kakamega and questioned implementation of projects, especially roads and early childhood education facilities.
“Kwa miaka ambayo Oparanya alikuwa hapa tulikuwa tunaona maendeleo kwa kiwango kikubwa. Lakini kwa miaka nne na nusu ya sasa wameanzisha ECD chache sana na nyingine hazijakamilika. Nilikuwa naona kila mwaka barabara zinajengwa lakini sasa mara nyingi nasikia ni ahadi tu.”
Malala also criticised confrontational politics and condemned incidents of tension and conflict at public gatherings, saying leaders should engage citizens with respect.
“Mimi sikuwa naelewana na Oparanya wakati nilikuwa MCA kwa sababu ya oversight lakini hakuna siku uliona akienda kwa matanga akiwa na fujo. Kiongozi lazima aheshimu wananchi na asitumie nguvu au vitisho katika shughuli za umma.”
On healthcare and county planning, Malala questioned emerging discussions around disease preparedness facilities and said public participation should guide such decisions.
“Mimi nasema ni sawa kujitayarisha kwa changamoto za afya lakini lazima wananchi washirikishwe. Nilisikia mazungumzo kuhusu quarantine na nikasema watu wa eneo husika lazima wajulishwe na waelezwe kabla ya maamuzi kufanywa.”
The DCP deputy party leader then shifted to county succession politics and urged opposition figures to remain united ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Mimi nimejitolea kusimama, wengine wamejitolea pia. Tukifika mbele tupime nguvu na yule ambaye anaungwa mkono zaidi aende mbele. Mimi niko tayari kujitoa kwa ajili ya watu wangu lakini tusigawanyike.”
Malala criticised what he described as public frustration over economic conditions and infrastructure delivery, saying citizens expect visible results from leadership.
“Mmesikia vile Wakenya wamechoka. Watu wanataka hospitali zifanye kazi na miradi ikamilike. Ukiangalia bajeti nyingi kuna miradi ambayo bado haijapewa fedha za kukamilika na wananchi wanaona hayo.”
He also called for political cooperation beyond regional interests, saying communities must work together to strengthen national leadership prospects.
“Mluhya ni Mluhya lakini lazima tufanye urafiki na jamii zingine. Hatuwezi kujifungia peke yetu. Uongozi wa Kenya unahitaji ushirikiano na kujenga marafiki katika maeneo mbalimbali ya nchi.”
Addressing speculation around his relationship with Rigathi Gachagua, Malala firmly denied reports of disagreements and described the claims as politically motivated.
“Mimi nimeona propaganda kwamba mimi na Rigathi Gachagua tumekosana. Nataka kuwaambia hiyo ni porojo. Sisi tumeshikana kabisa. Wanataka kugawanyisha upinzani. I have no problem with my party leader. Tunamuombea mema na tuko pamoja.”
Malala concluded by urging leaders to focus on service delivery rather than political labels, adding that good leadership should be recognised regardless of party affiliation.
“Msiangalie viongozi kwa macho ya vyama pekee. Kiongozi mzuri ni yule anayesaidia watu na kusimama na wananchi wakati wanahitaji msaada. Hiyo ndiyo siasa ambayo tunahitaji kwenda mbele.”
Tags: Cleophas Malala DCP DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice One Term One term Political Parties Political Party Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya United Opposition Wantam Wantam
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD