A simmering power struggle within the DCP party has come to light, exposing deep cracks in former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political vehicle just months after its formation.
Multiple sources within the party say relations between DCP leader Gachagua and his deputy, Cleophas Malala, have deteriorated sharply, with the two reportedly no longer speaking to each other.
At the heart of the fallout are growing concerns that DCP is increasingly being perceived as a Mt Kenya-centric outfit rather than the national party for all Kenyans, as it promised to become.
The tensions spilled into the public domain this week during Gachagua’s appearance on Inooro TV, where the former Deputy President appeared to launch a direct attack on Malala without mentioning him by name.
“I had a strong ally from the Western region who recently called me and told me DCP has gone tribal and is only defending Mt Kenya interests,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader disclosed that he confronted the ally over the remarks, insisting that defending the interests of Mt Kenya residents should not be controversial.
“I scolded him and asked him whom he wants to defend the Mt Kenya people. I have since told him that my respect for him is gone,” Gachagua said, in comments widely interpreted as an unprecedented public rebuke of his deputy.
Party insiders say Malala has become increasingly isolated within the DCP hierarchy and has been largely absent from key party activities, fuelling speculation that a major split could be looming.
The divisions have reportedly widened further following disagreements over party leadership positions.
Sources claim Malala recently issued an ultimatum to Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Gachagua’s preferred choice for Secretary-General, linking his continued stay in office to the outcome of the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The escalating fallout threatens to undermine Gachagua’s efforts to build DCP into a formidable national political force ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Formed in the aftermath of Gachagua’s impeachment, DCP has been marketed as the Mt Kenya region’s party. The emerging internal wrangles have reignited questions about whether the party can genuinely expand its footprint across the country.
Top party officials warn that a messy divorce between Gachagua and Malala could weaken DCP’s national appeal and hand rivals fresh ammunition as the battle for political realignments ahead of 2027 intensifies.
