Political rumor mills are working overtime after whispers emerged that Cleophas Malala and Rigathi Gachagua could be quietly negotiating their way back into government. According to the grapevine — which in Kenyan politics is often faster than Wi-Fi — the two leaders are allegedly in “high-level talks” that could see them abandon the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ship before it even fully leaves the harbor.
If the whispers are to be believed, the negotiations are apparently so advanced that roles are already being “allocated.” In this political fairy tale, Malala is said to have been promised the Kakamega Governor seat in 2027 — quite impressive for negotiations that reportedly exist mostly in rumors and WhatsApp forwards.
Meanwhile, Gachagua’s alleged reward is even more exotic: an ambassadorial posting to Ukraine. Yes, Ukraine — which has suddenly become the most unexpected retirement plan in Kenyan politics.
Political observers are amused not just by the alleged deal, but by the structure of the negotiations themselves. According to insiders, Malala is said to be representing both himself and Gachagua in these meetings — essentially acting as lawyer, negotiator, witness, and possibly the minutes secretary all in one.
In other words, if the talks succeed, Malala might end up congratulating himself, shaking his own hand, and signing the agreement on behalf of everyone present.
Critics within DCP say the rumors show how fragile political alliances can be. After months of loudly positioning themselves as the architects of a new political movement, the idea that the same leaders might quietly negotiate their return to government has become a source of endless jokes in political circles.
Supporters of Gachagua, however, dismiss the claims as political gossip designed to destabilize the party.
Still, in Kenya’s ever-dramatic political theatre, one lesson remains constant: today’s fierce opposition leader can become tomorrow’s ambassador — sometimes before the ink on the press statement even dries.
