A fresh power struggle is reportedly brewing within the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), with allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said to be pushing for the removal of Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and the installation of Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa as Acting Deputy Party Leader.
According to sources within the party, the move is being spearheaded by Kirinyaga Senator James Murango and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, who have allegedly been tasked with rallying support for changes in the party hierarchy following the court’s confirmation of Gachagua’s impeachment.
The reported plan stems from growing anxiety among some of Gachagua’s loyalists over DCP’s succession structure. Party insiders claim that because Malala currently serves as Deputy Party Leader, he could emerge as the most influential figure within the party should Gachagua’s legal and political challenges persist.
Those backing the proposed changes are said to fear that Malala, a seasoned politician with his own political base in Western Kenya, may not be fully dependent on Gachagua’s support for his political future. As a result, some within the Mt Kenya wing of the party reportedly prefer a deputy leader drawn from the region and closely aligned to Gachagua’s political interests.
The developments come despite Malala’s repeated public dismissal of claims that he has fallen out with Gachagua. Speaking in Kakamega on June 6, the former Kakamega Senator described reports of a rift as propaganda intended to divide the opposition.
“I have no problem with my party leader. I am the deputy party leader of DCP,” Malala said, insisting that the opposition remains united ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speculation about tensions within DCP intensified after Malala missed several high-profile opposition events. Questions have also emerged regarding the growing prominence of Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who has increasingly become the public face of the party after being appointed Secretary General.
Malala recently added to the debate when he suggested that Methu’s future in the Secretary General position could depend on the outcome of the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election. He described the contest as a major test for Methu and indicated that party leaders could review the arrangement if DCP fails to secure victory.
Observers say the remarks highlighted growing competition among senior party figures as DCP seeks to position itself for the 2027 elections.
Whether the reported push against Malala gains momentum remains unclear. However, the emerging succession debate underscores the uncertainty facing DCP following Gachagua’s impeachment and the ongoing struggle over the party’s future direction.
