Former Kakamega Senator and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala has come under renewed scrutiny following a series of meetings with senior government officials, prompting questions from some members of the opposition over his political engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The meetings have coincided with criticism from some allies of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, who have accused Malala of undermining the party from within.
Malala, however, has maintained that he remains committed to the opposition.
On Saturday, the former UDA secretary general met Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, who was his running mate in the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
After the meeting, Malala posted a message highlighting unity, development and reconciliation in Kakamega County.
"The people of Kakamega deserve quality services, inclusive development and leadership that listens, serves and delivers," he said.
"Our dream is alive: to free our people from disunity, violence and poverty. In peace and unity, we will build a prosperous, secure and dignified Kakamega. The journey continues. A better Kakamega is within reach."
The meeting came two days after Malala held talks with Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, the former Kakamega governor.
Following that meeting, Malala said he had sought Oparanya's counsel.
"Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya left an indelible mark on Kakamega County during his tenure as governor. I paid him a courtesy call today to tap into his wealth of wisdom and experience," he said.
The meetings have attracted attention within political circles, with some critics questioning why a senior opposition figure is engaging leaders serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Malala did not respond to our inquiry seeking comment on whether the meetings signalled any change in his political position.
The criticism has also come from some of Gachagua's political allies.
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango alleged that Malala's actions were harming the party's image and claimed he was pursuing personal interests.
Murango further alleged that Malala was among those frustrating the growth of the opposition movement.
The senator also claimed that other senior DCP officials shared similar concerns about Malala's conduct.
He further alleged that Malala had not done enough to strengthen the party in Western Kenya, where DCP is seeking to expand its support.
"In Western Kenya, where he should be helping us, he left people there to be doing whatever they want. He doesn't speak there," Murango said.
Similar claims were made in March by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
Maina alleged that Malala held a meeting with a group of Kirinyaga MCAs in Kenol in an attempt to create divisions within the movement associated with Gachagua.
She also alleged that the meeting was financed by individuals seeking to derail the opposition's political agenda.
The claims have not been independently verified.
The criticism has fuelled speculation about relations within DCP's leadership despite repeated public assurances of unity.
Last week, Malala publicly dismissed reports that he had fallen out with Gachagua.
Speaking in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, he described the reports as propaganda intended to weaken the opposition.
"This Ruto government knows it is going home, and today it has sponsored propaganda that Gachagua and I have had a falling out," Malala said.
"I want to tell the people who have spread that rumour that Gachagua and I are together. They want to divide us so that the united opposition does not defeat the government."
Despite Malala's remarks, speculation about his relationship with sections of the party has continued.
Kakamega Senate aspirant Patrick Butichi also claimed that there were plans to push Malala out of DCP, drawing comparisons with his departure from UDA.
"Just like he was removed from UDA, there are plans to push Malala out of DCP. But that won't harm him. He should come back home and work with Senator Edwin Sifuna in Linda Mwananchi," Butichi said.
