By Faith Lagat
A post on X alleges a “coup” within the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), claiming that Cleophas Malala is orchestrating a leadership takeover from party leader Rigathi Gachagua through a purported official party letter.
The attached image shows a letter dated June 10, 2026, on DCP letterhead, signed by “Hezron Obaaga, Secretary General.”
The letter cites the “recent High Court ruling” on Gachagua’s case and a supposed declaration of his “ineligibility to hold any public office.”
It then declares the Party Leader position vacant, convenes an urgent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, and states that Cleophas Malala “shall assume the role of INTERIM PARTY LEADER with immediate effect.”
The claim was shared by X user @DismasKiprop16, whose profile describes him as a “Political Aide. Political Enthusiast. I Solve Problems, Manage Crisis & Save Reputations.” The account frequently posts political commentary, often critical of opposition figures.
The post attracted moderate engagement, with 60 likes, 29 replies, 7 reposts, 2 quotes, 10 bookmarks, and approximately 22,000 views as of the latest fetch.
Background
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) was launched on May 15, 2025 by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his fallout with President William Ruto and subsequent impeachment by the Senate in late 2024. Gachagua serves as the party leader. Malala, the former Kakamega Senator and ex-UDA Secretary General, was named Deputy Party Leader and is among the party’s founding leaders. Other initial interim officials included Hezron Obaga as Secretary General.
On May, 25, 2026, Gachagua announced changes to the party secretariat, replacing Obaga as Secretary General with Nyandarua County Senator John Methu. Obaga was reassigned to another leadership role within the party. Methu was tasked with key responsibilities, including overseeing DCP’s campaign efforts in the Ol Kalou by-election.
These changes prompted speculation about internal dynamics. However, Malala publicly dismissed rumours of a fallout with Gachagua, maintaining that they remained united.
On June 8, 2026, a three-judge bench of the High Court delivered its ruling on petitions challenging Gachagua’s Senate impeachment.
The court upheld the impeachment but found that his right to a fair hearing had been violated after proceedings continued despite his illness and requests for adjournment. The court awarded him Ksh50 million in constitutional damages payable by the Senate.
Importantly, the ruling did not declare Gachagua ineligible to hold public office, nor did it create an automatic vacancy in his position as DCP party leader. Gachagua, his allies, and legal commentators, including members of the Law Society of Kenya, argued that he remained eligible to contest future elections, subject to ongoing appeals and constitutional provisions governing disqualification.
Following the ruling, Malala expressed concern about the procedural flaws identified by the court while reaffirming his support for Gachagua’s leadership.
Around the same period, DCP and allied opposition leaders, including DAP–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DCP deputy party leader Malala were actively mobilising supporters ahead of a planned opposition tour of Western Kenya.
Gachagua remained publicly active, including calling on MPs to reject the Finance Bill 2026 and addressing questions regarding his political future. Malala continued participating in party activities and was reported to have welcomed Gachagua at Kisumu International Airport ahead of the Western Kenya tour.
No official DCP statement, press release, verified social media post, or credible media report indicated that the party had convened an urgent NEC meeting, declared a vacancy in the Party Leader position, or appointed Malala as interim party leader.
Verification
Piga Firimbi examined the circulated letter and compared its claims with verified information about DCP leadership and the High Court ruling.
The document is dated June 10, 2026, and signed by “Hezron Obaaga, Secretary General.” However, DCP had already announced leadership changes in late May 2026, replacing Obaga with Senator John Methu as secretary general. No evidence was found showing that Obaga had been reinstated to the position.
The letter also claims that the High Court declared Gachagua “ineligible to hold any public office.” Court records and contemporaneous reporting show this is false. While the judges upheld the impeachment, they also found procedural violations and awarded damages.
The ruling did not impose a blanket ban on Gachagua holding public office or participating in future elections.
Piga Firimbi further reviewed official DCP communications, verified social media accounts and credible media reports from the period surrounding the alleged letter.
No evidence was found of an emergency National Executive Committee meeting, a declaration that the party leader position had become vacant, or the appointment of Malala as interim party leader. Instead, party communications and public appearances continued to present Gachagua as party leader and Malala as deputy party leader.
The absence of any official confirmation, combined with the factual errors contained in the document, strongly indicates that the letter is not authentic.
Verdict
The claim that the circulated letter is a genuine DCP document declaring a leadership vacancy and appointing Cleophas Malala as interim party leader is FAKE.
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