Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala has dismissed claims of a fallout with party leader Rigathi Gachagua, insisting that he has not been sidelined and remains actively involved in building the party.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Malala explained his absence from some of the party's public rallies, saying he had been assigned to coordinate activities in Western Kenya while other leaders handled different regions.
He said DCP Secretary General John Methu was responsible for mobilisation in the Mount Kenya region, while he focused on strengthening the party's presence in the western part of the country.
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“I do not feel sidelined. Why would I feel so? We were given a responsibility to keep the party moving. John Methu and I, but you know the country is too big. I took charge of the Western region, while Methu took charge of the central region,” Malala said.
He questioned why he would be expected to lead mobilisation activities in areas such as Karatina when his responsibility was to organise the party in Western Kenya.
“Those who say Methu was left in charge are interpreting their own things; there is what is called sense of occasion. What business will I be doing to mobilise people in Karatina?” he posed.
The former Kakamega Senator said his work had largely taken place at the grassroots, away from media attention.
He cited efforts to establish party structures from polling station level to county offices, as well as work on the party manifesto.
“I have been doing grassroots activities, including building party structures from the polling stations all the way to the county offices, and I want to believe we have done much. There is a lot that is happening behind the scenes,” he added.
Malala's remarks come amid claims that he has had little visible involvement in DCP activities beyond his position as deputy party leader.
During Gachagua's visit to the United States, Senator John Methu was seen leading several party activities, including rallies in parts of Central Kenya.
Malala, meanwhile, had been conducting political activities in Western Kenya, where he also expressed support for the Linda Mwananchi Movement and publicly backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's presidential bid.
Those remarks attracted attention because Gachagua is also associated with presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
After returning from the United States, Gachagua reportedly distanced himself from some of Malala's political statements, saying the deputy party leader was expressing his own views and could not speak on behalf of the party or its leader.
Gachagua also referred to Malala as a “mini Ruto”, adding to speculation about differences within the party.
Malala, however, dismissed claims that the developments reflected a breakdown in their relationship or a change in his standing within DCP.
He said he remained comfortable in the party, describing himself as one of its founding members.
“I am happy in DCP. It is the only party I am a founder member, all these other parties I have joined them but for DCP I am a founding member,” he said.
His remarks come as political leaders and parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with questions over alliances and leadership roles shaping discussions within the opposition.