Didmus Barasa slams Gachagua and Malala for differing on Mukhisa Kituyi’s appointment
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has jolted the DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and his deputy Cleophas Malalah over their stance on the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition.
Barasa, a staunch ally of the ruling coalition, is among the leaders who have been criticising the former Gachagua and his troops.
You might also like
“The epic tug-of-war between Cain Wamunyoro and Shackles the Drama King is on the verge of erupting,” Barasa said.
Also Watch: Opposition leader Gachagua vows unity to oust Ruto
Elsewhere, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi stated that although the former deputy president has been announcing that the opposition is united, the reality is different, citing Malala’s opposition to the appointment of their spokesperson as proof of disunity.
Malalah raised concerns about Kituyi’s appointment, arguing that the coalition needed a spokesperson with fresh energy and a forward-thinking approach.
“The United Opposition must embrace youthful, dynamic leadership to move the country forward. Unfortunately, Kituyi does not represent that vision,” Malala said.
Apart from Malala’s protest, a rebellion has also erupted within Gachagua’s DCP over claims of a secret deal to drop its candidate in the Mbeere North by-election.
Change of tune
In a change of tone, Malala has softened his stance on the appointment of Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition.
In a video posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Malala explained that although he initially opposed the decision, he has now resolved to support it after consultations with DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Malala admitted he had preferred a younger candidate for the position.
“Juzi, mmeona tumekuwa na shida kidogo. Wakati the United Opposition ilikuwa inachagua secretariats, principals wakachagua Mukhisa Kituyi. Mimi kibinafsi nikasema hapana, hii nafasi ipatiwe kijana. Kwa sababu vijana ndio wanafaa waweke moto,” he said.
However, Malala revealed that Gachagua personally intervened and convinced him to reconsider his stand.
“Rigathi Gachagua akaniita, akaniambia Cleo, ata wewe unatetea vijana sana, lakini ata wazee wanataka kuwa pale kwa uongozi. Akanielezea kwa nini ikuwe Mukhisa. Mimi nikasema kwa sababu Riggy G amesema, mimi naunga mkono,” he added.
Gachagua speaks
Gachagua spoke during a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, on Sunday, September 7, 2025, where he dismissed Malala’s concerns about the DCP appointing senior leaders instead of much younger candidates.
According to the DCP boss, there was a need for the party to balance youth leadership with experienced guidance, and Kituyi fit the bill in terms of experience.
“Malala is a very capable young leader, but he misunderstood our intentions. We chose Kituyi to lead the secretariat because while we have plenty of Gen Z and Millennial leaders, they still need mentorship and direction,” Gachagua explained.
But in a rejoinder, Gachagua said on Sunday, September 7, 2025, that he had spoken to Malala and advised the party deputy to remain calm.
“Leadership is not just about age. Wisdom and experience matter. We must support our young leaders by surrounding them with people who can guide them,” he said.
