Disagreements within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) spilled into the open on Sunday after party leader Rigathi Gachagua defended the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition.
Speaking at a church service in Kipipiri, Nyandarua County, Gachagua dismissed Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala’s concerns that the coalition was sidelining younger leaders. Malala had argued that the opposition needed a more youthful, forward-looking spokesperson.
“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.”
The former Deputy President stressed that leadership was not just about age, but also about wisdom and experience. He emphasized the need to balance youthful energy with guidance from seasoned figures.
On September 5, Malala questioned Kituyi’s appointment shortly after coalition leaders moved to formalize the United Opposition ahead of the November by-elections. His dissatisfaction was evident when he skipped a key coalition meeting in Nairobi.
Malala further stirred debate by insisting that DCP would field its own candidate in the Mbeere North by-election, despite calls for a joint candidate under a DCP-DAP-Kenya agreement.
In response, Gachagua revealed that he had spoken to Malala privately and urged calm. He reaffirmed that the DCP remained committed to democratic processes and transparent nomination procedures. He also stressed that the opposition was still united in its push for a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Mbeere North race took a twist when DCP candidate Duncan Mbui quit the party to run as an independent. He claimed DCP had been pressured by other coalition partners not to field a candidate, prompting his defection.
The Gachagua defends Kituyi appointment debate highlights ongoing tensions within the opposition, even as coalition leaders seek unity ahead of upcoming by-elections.
