STORM IN OPPOSITION AS MALALA REJECTS KITUYI APPOINTMENT

The unity of the opposition coalition was thrown into turmoil after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala rejected the appointment of former UNCTAD Secretary-General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as spokesperson and Head of Secretariat.
Malala, who skipped the four-hour coalition meeting in Nairobi and declined to sign the agreement, dismissed Kituyi’s selection as a setback to the movement. He argued that the opposition needed “fresh, youthful leadership” to shape its communication strategy ahead of the November by-elections and the 2027 General Election.
The appointment of Kituyi had been unveiled as part of broader efforts to strengthen the coalition and prepare for the official launch of its identity—including a new name, symbol, and slogan—next week. But Malala’s defiance exposed cracks that could undermine the bloc’s quest for unity.
Tensions are also rising over the upcoming Malava by-election. While some coalition partners have pushed for a single candidate to demonstrate cohesion, Malala insisted that DCP would field its own aspirant. The Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) has also refused to step down, further widening rifts.
Despite the infighting, coalition leaders vowed to press ahead with the unveiling of their political identity, signaling determination to present a united front against the government.