NAIROBI, Kenya — Cracks within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) once again spilled into public view after party leader Rigathi Gachagua defended the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, brushing aside criticism from his deputy, Cleophas Malala.
Speaking during a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, September 7, Gachagua dismissed Malala’s push for younger leadership in the newly formed United Opposition secretariat, insisting that the coalition needed a balance between youthful energy and seasoned experience.
Kituyi Appointment Sparks Rift
The dispute began on September 5, when coalition leaders unveiled plans to formalize the United Opposition ahead of November’s by-elections. Malala publicly opposed the choice of Kituyi as spokesperson and head of the secretariat, arguing that the role required a more dynamic, forward-thinking figure.
“The United Opposition must embrace youthful, dynamic leadership to move the country forward. Unfortunately, Kituyi does not represent that vision,” Malala said, further fueling speculation after skipping a key coalition meeting in Nairobi.
In contrast, Gachagua doubled down on the decision, calling Kituyi a strategic fit for the role.
“Malala is a capable young leader, but he misunderstood our intentions. While we have plenty of Gen Z and Millennial leaders, they still need mentorship and direction. That is why we settled on Kituyi,” Gachagua told congregants in Kipipiri.
Leadership vs. Age Debate
The row highlights a broader debate within the DCP and the United Opposition: how to strike the right balance between youthful leadership and experienced political veterans.
Gachagua emphasized that leadership cannot be judged by age alone.
“Wisdom and experience matter. We must support our young leaders by surrounding them with people who can guide them,” he said, adding that Kituyi’s decades of global and local experience would strengthen the coalition’s credibility.
Malala, however, has maintained that the party risks alienating young voters by prioritizing older political figures in top positions. His position has also spilled into other party activities, including his claim that DCP would field its own candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election — a stance that contradicts calls from coalition partners for a joint DCP–DAP-Kenya ticket.
Fallout Ahead of By-Elections
The internal wrangles have already had ripple effects. Duncan Mbui, who had been slated to run under the DCP banner in Mbeere North, abandoned the party and announced he would contest as an independent candidate.
Mbui accused DCP leadership of caving to pressure from allied parties within the United Opposition to step aside, a move he said undermined the party’s independence.
Despite the turbulence, Gachagua insisted that DCP remains committed to fair nomination processes and reiterated that the broader opposition coalition will still rally behind a single presidential candidate in 2027 to challenge President William Ruto
As the by-elections draw closer, the tension between Gachagua and Malala could either fracture or redefine the DCP’s internal dynamics.
