EXPLAINER: Why DCP’s Malala Is Loudly Silent Amidst Defection Rumours
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence on the whereabouts of Cleophas Malala, a close ally and deputy party head of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
During a radio interview on Sunday, January 18, the DPC leader refuted rumors that Malala defected from his party after mysteriously missing a retreat in Mombasa, describing the charges as propaganda.
He claimed that Malala became ill with the flu while in Kakamega and requested sick leave.
Gachagua hailed him as a bold and daring leader who stands by his convictions, while dismissing rumors of a schism between the two.
Rigathi Gachagua revea5 where cleo malala is after propaganda that he had gone back to UDA. pic.twitter.com/sUOgdBxe86
— WANTAM UPDATES (@_DcpNation) January 18, 2026
He further stated that once Malala has fully healed, he will rejoin the party’s activities beginning Monday.
He accused President Ruto’s camp of creating allegations about Malala and other party members leaving the erstwhile Democratic Party.
He went on to say that Malala is his most trusted soldier and that he works extremely hard.
Gachagua, on the other hand, argued that the DCP party remained strong and that his supporters who purportedly switched to President William Ruto’s camp were actually spies planted by the president.
He went on to say that he knew they were moles, and it was just a matter of time before they defected.
Malala has kept a low profile, missing crucial activities that Gachagua has recently attended.
His last public engagement with Gachagua was on January 8, when the DCP party toured Nyeri County.
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His constant absence, especially during the party’s retreat in Mombasa, has caused debate online.
The general public has speculated that there must be wrangles in the newly formed party, allegations that Gachagua dismisses.
The two leaders have been close allies, especially after Gachagua was impeached from his position as DP and Malala was ousted from being the Secretary General of the ruling UDA party.
They developed a strong bond that later resulted in the formation of the DCP party with Gachagua as the party leader and Malala as his deputy.
EXPLAINER: Why DCP’s Malala Is Loudly Silent Amidst Defection Rumours
