Nairobi — In a candid TV interview on Tuesday night, Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the newly formed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), made it clear: the party’s top priority is ousting President William Ruto from office.
Speaking on K24 TV, the former Kakamega senator said the party’s plans hinge on what he called the “political reality” in the country. According to Malala, DCP cannot begin rolling out any policy agenda until there’s a change in leadership.
“Even if we have the best agenda, how can we implement it while Ruto is still in power?” he asked. “That’s why we must start with his departure.”
The remarks sparked fresh debate in a nation already grappling with political fatigue and economic strain. Malala defended the party’s single-minded focus, arguing it reflects the mood on the ground.
“Our message is simple: we’re listening to Kenyans,” he said. “If they say one term for the president, then we echo that. If they say Ruto must go, we won’t ignore them.”
‘We’ll Unveil Our Plan in Time’
Malala also hit back at government supporters who claim DCP lacks direction. Critics have said the party has little to offer beyond anti-Ruto slogans.
He disagreed, insisting DCP has a “clear and credible” roadmap—though it won’t be released until after the party’s official launch on 4 June.
“We’re not going to be dictated to by opponents,” Malala said. “We’ll release our plan when the time is right.”
He described the DCP’s upcoming launch as a pivotal moment that will spell out the party’s political and economic goals.
“That’s the day we’ll provide the country with direction,” he added.
A National Party or Regional Movement?
Malala was also forced to defend the DCP against claims it is a tribal outfit. Some critics have labelled the movement a project tied to the Wamunyoro community—an accusation he firmly rejected.
“You cannot compare DCP with UDA,” he said. “This is not a tribal party. We already have support across the country.”
Without providing hard data, Malala claimed that over 2.8 million Kenyans had defected from Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) since DCP’s soft launch on 15 May.
“People are leaving UDA in large numbers. The momentum is on our side,” he declared. “Once we officially launch, no one will remain in UDA.”
A Country at a Crossroads
Malala’s remarks highlight a tense political atmosphere ahead of the 2025 general elections. The cost of living continues to rise, youth unemployment remains high, and trust in public institutions is low.
Still, observers warn that calls for the president’s removal—without a clear constitutional path—could inflame tensions.
Political analyst Dr Lydia Omari told The Standard this week that while dissent is vital in any democracy, opposition parties must offer more than protest.
“It’s easy to say ‘Ruto must go,’ but Kenyans need solutions,” she said. “What’s the alternative vision? What’s the plan for fixing the economy?”
Malala insists those answers are coming.
