Cleophas Malala,the traitor within United Opposition and DCP?

NAIROBI, Kenya — A deep political rift has erupted within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina publicly accused Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala of orchestrating secret meetings and plotting a splinter faction aimed at weakening the party’s influence in key counties.

In a statement shared on March 12, 2026, Maina alleged that Malala met privately with a group of Kirinyaga Members of County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Governor Anne Waiguru at a hotel in Kenol the previous evening. According to Maina, the meeting was intended to create an internal breakaway group to challenge supporters of DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua in Kirinyaga County.

Accusations of Bribery and Undermining Leadership

Maina claimed that Malala had facilitated attendance by the MCAs with KSh 20,000 each, funds she insists came from sources intent on undermining the party’s cohesion and Gachagua’s influence ahead of the 2027 general election. She described the alleged arrangements as part of a broader strategy to weaken the party’s internal unity and, ultimately, its performance at the polls.

In her message, Maina directly tagged Malala, asserting that the meeting’s purpose was to fight Rigathi Gachagua’s “foot soldiers” in the county and suggesting that those who financed the gathering sought to derail the opposition alliance’s agenda.

Malala and DCP Under Fire

The accusations come amid growing tensions within the recently launched party, which was founded as a political vehicle after Malala’s departure from another national party leadership role. Maina’s comments suggested the alleged private meetings were not the first instance of Malala engaging in controversial political conduct, claiming that concerns had been raised with him privately before she chose to make them public.

Maina warned of an impending political showdown, stating that Malala had “crossed the Rubicon” and signalling that she would confront him more aggressively in the run‑up to next year's elections. Her strong language indicated deep frustration with what she described as damaging behaviour at a sensitive moment for the party.

Broader Implications for the Party

Political analysts say the public spat highlights internal fractures within the DCP as it seeks to establish itself as a credible opposition force. Fault lines over leadership direction, alliances, and strategy could weaken the party’s ability to unify behind a single agenda in the lead‑up to key electoral contests.

The allegations also risk diverting attention from the party’s core objectives and project an image of disunity at a time when cohesive opposition strategy is widely seen as crucial to challenging the ruling coalition.

Malala’s Position and Next Steps

At the time of reporting, Malala had not issued a detailed public response to Maina’s accusations. His office is expected to release a statement clarifying his position, particularly regarding the claims of secret meetings and alleged monetary facilitation of political actors.

Party leaders, including Rigathi Gachagua, may also need to intervene to calm emerging tensions. How they manage this dispute could influence the DCP’s strength and credibility as Kenya’s political landscape sharpens ahead of the 2027 general elections.