Gachagua: Malala is a smaller version of Ruto

Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), clarified that his deputy, Cleophas Malala, was speaking in a personal capacity when he suggested the party would back Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for president in 2027. Addressing this during a television interview on October 28, 2026, Gachagua stressed that while Malala was free to voice his own opinion, he should specify whether it was a personal statement or a position of the party.

"The deputy party leader is not the spokesman of DCP. The spokesman of DCP is the Secretary General or the party leader," Gachagua stated. He added that Malala's comments did not reflect the official stance of the party. Gachagua also explained why he likened Malala to President William Ruto, mentioning that Malala's approach was aimed at appealing to voters in Western Kenya.

He claimed that Malala was adjusting his message to the perceived sentiments of Western Kenyan constituents. This comparison seemed to highlight the common practice among politicians to tailor their messages to the audience they are addressing. Despite the divergence over the party's stance, Gachagua affirmed Malala's right to express his preference.

He described Malala as a competent politician and acknowledged his deputy's efforts to persuade Gachagua to support Sifuna. Earlier, Malala had declared his support for Sifuna's presidential bid, stating his desire for the Nairobi senator to lead the opposition in the 2027 General Election. Subsequently, he claimed that he and Gachagua had mutually agreed to support Sifuna, prompting Gachagua to clarify that the DCP had not officially decided on a presidential candidate.

The situation arises as opposition leaders continue discussions about a potential joint presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in 2027. Malala has also been seeking backing from Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for Sifuna's bid.