Malala Dismisses Fallout Claims With Gachagua, Says Opposition Remains United

Malala Dismisses Fallout Claims With Gachagua, Says Opposition Remains United

KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Democracy for the Citizens’ Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has firmly dismissed reports suggesting a political fallout between him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that the opposition leadership remains united as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather momentum.

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Kakamega County on Saturday, Malala addressed growing speculation about an alleged rift between the two leaders, which had intensified following his absence from several recent opposition functions attended by Gachagua and other opposition figures.

The former Kakamega Senator described the reports as a deliberate propaganda campaign designed to create divisions within the opposition and weaken its political influence ahead of the next general election.

“Since the Ruto administration knows it will go home, today it has sponsored propaganda that Rigathi Gachagua and I have differed. I want to tell those people spreading such propaganda that Gachagua and I are very much united,” Malala told residents.

He further reiterated his commitment to the party and its leadership structure, emphasizing that there was no disagreement between him and the DCP leader.

“Those are lies that are being spread to divide the united opposition. I want to say here that I have no problem with my party leader. I am the deputy party leader for DCP,” he added.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country as opposition leaders seek to consolidate support and build alliances ahead of the 2027 polls. In recent weeks, political observers have speculated about possible disagreements within opposition ranks following the absence of some key leaders from high-profile political engagements.

However, Malala sought to put the matter to rest, arguing that the opposition remains focused on presenting an alternative leadership agenda to Kenyans.

Beyond addressing the speculation, the former senator launched a sharp critique of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing the government of neglecting development projects in Kakamega County and failing to adequately address challenges affecting residents.

According to Malala, essential public services, including healthcare and infrastructure development, have suffered due to what he termed poor planning and inadequate budgetary allocations.

“Kakamega, we cannot continue this way for ten years. There are no medicine in hospitals. If you look at the budget, they have not allocated any money for roads in Kakamega,” he claimed.

His comments are likely to fuel ongoing political debate over the government’s development agenda and resource allocation, particularly in regions where opposition leaders argue that residents have not benefited sufficiently from national projects.

The DCP deputy leader also weighed in on the contentious issue of proposed Ebola quarantine facilities planned for Kakamega County.

While acknowledging the importance of disease preparedness and public health measures, Malala questioned the choice of locations identified for the facilities and called for greater consultation with local communities.

“I want to tell you that we do not accept those two Ebola quarantine facilities here. Savula, it is okay to prepare, but it is the choice of the quarantine that I am questioning,” he stated.

The proposed quarantine centres are part of wider government efforts to strengthen Kenya’s preparedness against Ebola outbreaks reported in parts of East and Central Africa. Kakamega County recently announced plans to establish two quarantine facilities following consultations with the Ministry of Health.

However, the proposal has generated mixed reactions among residents and political leaders, with some supporting the initiative as a necessary public health measure while others have raised concerns about location, consultation, and potential community impact.

Malala concluded his address by urging residents to remain united and actively participate in discussions affecting the county’s future.

As political temperatures gradually rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, the latest remarks underscore the growing contest for influence within Kenya’s political landscape, with opposition leaders seeking to project unity while challenging the government’s policies and development record.

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Malala Dismisses Fallout Claims With Gachagua, Says Opposition Remains United