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Gachagua dismisses talk of Malala defection as he woos Coast region
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addresses mourners during the burial ceremony of John Muhia, who was the father of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, in Malewa Ranch in Nyandarua County on January 7, 2026.
What you need to know:
- The opposition leader also dismissed claims that his allies are defecting from DCP to join President William Ruto’s camp.
- Mr Gachagua rallied Coast residents to unite in efforts to remove President Ruto from power, claiming the government has failed.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has asked residents from the Coast region to partner with his political vehicle Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which he says has the capacity to tackle the long-standing challenges of drug trafficking and land injustices.
The Coast region commands more than two million votes with dominant political parties currently including ODM, UDA, PAA, and Jubilee.
Mr Gachagua, who is touring the region with more than 20 MPs, said he plans to pitch camp at the Coast to popularise his policies and seek support from residents. He claimed to enjoy a massive following, estimating people have already rallied behind him as he continues to build momentum.
The opposition leader also dismissed claims that his allies are defecting from DCP to join President William Ruto’s camp. He insisted that the party remains intact and said those leaving were government “spies” returning to where they belong.
“That is propaganda. My deputy party leader, Cleopas Malala, is sick. He is a brave and courageous leader who takes a firm stand. He was in Kakamega during the Malala Super Cup, after which he developed a severe flu and requested time off to recover before rejoining our political activities. But the Ruto propaganda team must spread rumours that so-and-so has decamped,” Mr Gachagua said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala speaks to supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at JKIA in Nairobi on August 21, 2025.
In an exclusive interview with M Radio, Mr Gachagua said Mr Malala is recuperating and will resume political engagements on Monday. He praised him for securing the Kisa East seat for DCP and said he is now preparing for the Malava by-election.
“I trust him fully. He is very hardworking,” he said.
Mr Gachagua reiterated that those who have left his camp were government moles planted within his ranks.
“We knew them. They were not my people; they belonged to President Ruto. It was just a matter of time before they announced their return home.
They have not decamped; they have simply gone where they belonged,” he said, without naming them.
He added that another individual left after being denied a direct ticket.
Remove Ruto from power
“We refused because we are a democratic party. Everyone must go through nominations, even those who spend a lot of time with me. There are no direct tickets in DCP,” he said.
At the same time, Mr Gachagua rallied Coast residents to unite in efforts to remove President Ruto from power, claiming the government has failed, particularly in the health and education sectors.
“We will remove him by partnering with Kenyans. I will travel to every corner of the country to speak with the people and explain in detail our plans and the journey ahead,” he said.
Mr Gachagua said that if DCP forms the government after the 2027 General Election, it will shut down companies manufacturing illicit alcohol, take stern legal action against drug traffickers, and establish specialised rehabilitation centres in all Level Four hospitals.
Read: ‘My life is in danger,’ Rigathi Gachagua says after police attempt to block his Kirinyaga tour
“The fight against narcotics must start at points of entry, including the Port of Mombasa, international airports, and our borders. Level Four hospitals should have specialised rehabilitation wards because the number of victims has increased. Our children have become zombies, and we must rescue them before they perish,” he said.
He dismissed claims that he is a tribalist, saying he is a defender of all Kenyans. He also criticised Coast leaders for failing to invest adequately in education.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
Mr Gachagua noted that the region has been severely affected by drug abuse and urged county governments to implement strategies to save the youth.
“These are sick people who need treatment. Even as we fight to stop drugs from entering the country, we must care for addicts, especially here at the Coast where our children are suffering,” he said.
He further promised that a DCP government would address land grabbing, a persistent challenge in the region. The former Deputy President expressed regret that many locals continue to live as squatters.
Echoing sentiments previously expressed by President Ruto, Mr Gachagua said there is a need for the government to purchase land owned by absentee landlords to resettle squatters.
He said his administration would prioritise the blue economy, tourism, and agriculture to spur economic growth and create employment opportunities at the Coast.
The opposition leader said that tourism would receive special focus, noting that it is the backbone of the Coast region’s economy.
