NAIROBI, Kenya- A television interview turned into a heated exchange after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and veteran journalist Jeff Koinange traded personal remarks over career progression, political ambition and the shifting balance of influence within the party.
The confrontation saw Malala accuse Koinange of becoming too comfortable in his position at Citizen TV, while the journalist questioned the politician’s political consistency and suggested that he had lost some of his influence in DCP.
The exchange began when Malala compared Koinange to Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, arguing that the veteran broadcaster had reached a point where he was no longer making significant career progress.
“Jeff, you’re the Atwoli of the media. You cannot grow more; you’re stagnant. Atwoli is comfortable wherever he is, as long as there is food. For you, you’re just here in Citizen, you’re comfortable,” Malala said.
Koinange pushed back, defending his professional reputation and arguing that guests were attracted to his programme because of his standing as a journalist.
“People like you are dying to come to a show like this because of me. If there was someone else, you wouldn’t come,” he responded.
Koinange calls Malala a party hopper
The discussion took another turn when Malala accused the journalist of profiling politicians according to their political affiliations and movements.
He made a reference to Atwoli and Koinange allegedly being in the same WhatsApp group, using humorous Swahili expressions to challenge the way political relationships were being discussed.
“That’s why I’m telling you, stop profiling us. If we say Atwoli wa manyororo is in the same WhatsApp group with Jeff wa kukaranga nywele,” Malala remarked.
Koinange responded by questioning Malala’s political consistency, suggesting that he could eventually move to the Linda Mwananchi faction.
“Nitakaranga tu. You’re still a party hopper. And you might go to Linda Mwananchi,” Koinange said.
The journalist also maintained that he was satisfied with his career, contrasting his professional stability with what he portrayed as Malala’s dissatisfaction.
“I’m stable and I’m happy. You’re not happy,” he added.
Methu’s rising profile enters the debate
The exchange became more politically pointed when Koinange brought up Nyandarua Senator John Methu’s growing visibility within DCP, telling Malala that the senator had taken over his position.
“Methu has taken over your position. He has stolen the thunder from you,” Koinange told him.
Malala rejected the suggestion, insisting that his political ambitions extended beyond holding on to his current position.
He argued that personal and professional growth required movement, suggesting that remaining in one position for too long could limit opportunities.
“I’m growing. Growth is movement. You know you are the same as young journalists growing, while you’re seated here,” he responded.
The remarks come amid public discussion about Malala’s place in DCP following Methu’s increased involvement in organising activities in the Mt Kenya region.
Malala has previously dismissed suggestions that he is being pushed aside, explaining that he was assigned to coordinate grassroots mobilisation in Western Kenya while Methu handles the Mt Kenya region.
He has said the party’s work involves building structures from polling-station level to county offices, alongside developing its manifesto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Malala has also maintained that his absence from some party rallies was intentional and linked to his assigned responsibilities, rather than evidence of a falling out with party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Malala’s support for Sifuna adds another dimension
The politician’s public support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as a possible opposition presidential candidate has also drawn attention to differences in political positioning within the opposition.
Malala has said he was lobbying Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to consider Sifuna for the opposition ticket.
Gachagua, however, has previously clarified that Malala’s remarks on Sifuna’s presidential prospects represented his personal position and not the official position of DCP.
In an interview with KTN on October 28, 2026, Gachagua also said Malala was not the party’s spokesperson, describing him as a young politician he mentors.
The latest exchange with Koinange therefore brought together several questions surrounding Malala’s political ambitions, his relationship with Gachagua and Methu’s growing visibility in the party.
While the interview was marked by humour and personal jabs, it also highlighted the wider debate about political loyalty, individual ambition and influence as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
