KILIFI, Kenya — The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) is bracing for a wave of political defections, particularly from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as it opens its doors to new members ahead of the 2027 elections.
Addressing party officials and legislators during a retreat in Kilifi, DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said the party had resolved to welcome all interested politicians, including those who previously opposed its leadership.
“We are going to open the party to everyone, including those who participated in the impeachment of the former Deputy President. Even those who caused political atrocities to our party leader are welcome,” Malala said.
He revealed that the party was already receiving expressions of interest from politicians allied to UDA, many of whom were waiting for what he described as “the right political moment” to cross over.
“As of this month, you will start seeing defections. Many of them are from UDA. They have evaluated the ground and decided they want to come to DCP,” he said.
Malala said the party had also resolved that only registered members would be allowed to participate in nominations, prompting the secretariat to begin developing a comprehensive membership register.
“We are calling upon all aspirants willing to join our party to immediately start registering members. Only members will vote during nominations,” he said.
Turning to opposition politics, Malala launched a scathing attack on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing its leadership of abandoning the party’s long-standing ideals.
“I feel very bad that a party built over 20 years is being auctioned in a very casual way to President William Ruto,” he said.
Malala singled out ODM Secretary-General Junet Mohamed, accusing him of betraying party leader Raila Odinga and undermining the party from within.
“He was closer to Baba than even his own children. At night, Junet used to go and brief William Ruto. He started betraying Baba when he was still alive,” Malala claimed.
He further alleged that internal divisions within ODM were being fueled by power struggles involving the Odinga family.
The remarks underscore the increasingly combative political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 general election, with DCP positioning itself as a new centre of opposition politics while courting disaffected politicians from across the divide.
