Disagreements within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) played out in public once again after party leader Rigathi Gachagua pushed back against criticism from his deputy, Cleophas Malala, over the recent appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr 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, where he dismissed Malala's concerns on the DCP appointing senior leaders instead of much younger candidates.
According to the former DP, there was a need for DCP 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," Gachagua said. "We chose Dr Kituyi to lead the secretariat because while we have plenty of Gen Z and Millennial leaders, they still need mentorship and direction."
On September 5, after the coalition leaders announced efforts to formalise the United Opposition ahead of the November by-elections, Malala 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. His dissatisfaction was further highlighted by his absence from a key coalition meeting held in Nairobi.
Malala 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 that he had spoken to Malala and advised the party deputy to remain calm.
Gachagua went on, “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."
The former DP further 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.
Meanwhile, as far as the Mbeere North by-election is concerned, DCP candidate Duncan Mbui ditched the Gachagua-led party and decided to go as an independent candidate.
In his statement, Mbui claimed DCP had been heavily influenced by constituent parties within the United Opposition to ensure the DCP does not field a candidate.
