Gachagua responds after Malala opposes Mukhisa Kituyi’s appointment
Democracy for Citizens (DCP ) Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has taken off from his deputy, Cleophas Malalah, over the recent appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition.
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.
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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.
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.
DCP uproar over Kituyi
The remarks come days after the coalition leaders announced efforts to formalise the United Opposition ahead of the November by-elections.
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.
His dissatisfaction was further highlighted by his absence from a key coalition meeting held in Nairobi.
The former Kakamega County Senator further courted controversy by claiming that DCP would field its own candidate despite other coalition members calling for a DCP-DAP-Kenya agreement to field a candidate for the Mbeere North by-election.
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.
Gachagua reiterated the DCP party’s commitment to a democratic process, including fair nomination procedures. Gachagua also reiterated that the opposition was still intent on rallying behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 General election.
