Cleophas Malalah Claims Rigathi Gachagua is Kenya's Opposition Leader: "Raila Ako Serikalini"
- Cleophas Malalah has named former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as Kenya’s new de facto opposition leader, capable of unseating President William Ruto
- Malalah claimed that Ruto plans to pick his next running mate from Western Kenya, sidelining Deputy President Kithure Kindiki
- He urged Kenyans, especially the clergy, to pray for peace during the planned June 25 demonstrations in memory of police brutality victims
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malalah has declared that the party’s leader and former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, is now Kenya’s de facto opposition leader.
Source: Facebook
Speaking on Sunday, June 22, at the AIPCA St. Mary’s Church in Ruiri/Rwarera Ward, Buuri Constituency, Malalah accused some national leaders of lacking a genuine development agenda.
He praised Gachagua’s past efforts in leading donor-funded programmes, coffee and milk sector reforms, and anti-drug abuse campaigns during his tenure as deputy president.
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"Gachagua, you are the leader of the opposition in Kenya. Yesterday, I heard Meru residents singing that you are the lion of Kenya. Take up that mantle. You are the lion who can stop Ruto from securing a second term. I have faith in you as a leader.
You are the king of the mountain, and since Mt. Kenya has the highest peak, you are destined to become the president of this nation," he said while insisting that ODM leader Raila Odinga 'is in the government'.
Will Ruto retain Kindiki as his deputy president?
Malalah further claimed that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya had revealed that Ruto intends to select his next running mate from Western Kenya.
He warned Deputy President Kithure Kindiki against pursuing higher ambitions in the Kenya Kwanza government.
"So, Kindiki, you are wasting your time. How will you compete with this trio? They are using you just like they used MPs from this region. Stop being used—you will eventually be sidelined. We have worked with him, and we know his ways," Malala warned.
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Meanwhile, Ruto had praised Kindiki, thanking the region for giving him a leader of integrity who actively supports his agenda of pushing the country forward.
He described Kindiki as a dependable partner who understands key sectors such as roads, electricity, agriculture, infrastructure, education, and health.
Their visit to Meru came just hours after Ruto attended an event in the same county on Saturday, June 21, where he graced the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day at the Meru ASK Showground.
Additionally, Malalah urged the clergy to pray for peace ahead of the June 25 peaceful protests, where youths are expected to hold demonstrations to honour victims of police brutality and those affected by 2024's anti-finance bill protests.
Did Raila Odinga formally join government?
In other news, Raila clarified that the partnership between ODM and UDA is strictly based on the ten-point agenda outlined in their signed agreement, emphasising that it does not amount to a formal coalition.
He maintained that ODM remains an opposition party despite the working relationship with the government.
Drawing parallels to the US presidential system, he explained that individual parties can collaborate on specific agendas without forming structured alliances.
He further noted that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary continue to function independently, with Parliament providing oversight over the government.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
