Former United Democratic Alliance politician Cleophas Malala has explained his decision to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying his political choices are influenced by ideology and the leaders he believes he can work with.
Speaking during an interview with a local television station on Thursday, September 17, 2026, Malala said Kenya’s Constitution allows politicians to move between political parties, arguing that changing political affiliations is part of the country’s democratic system.
The former Kakamega senator pointed to the political journeys of President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as examples of prominent leaders who have belonged to different parties and coalitions during their careers.
Malala cites Raila and Ruto political journeys
Malala said political party hopping should not automatically be interpreted as political inconsistency, noting that major Kenyan political figures have changed parties as political circumstances and alliances evolved.
He cited Raila’s movement through parties including FORD-Kenya, NDP and LDP, as well as his involvement in coalitions, while also referring to Ruto’s political journey through KANU, URP and other political formations.
Malala said his own political history, which has included ANC, ODM and UDA, should similarly be viewed within the context of Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
“Mimi nimefikisha tu ANC, ODM, UDA na ODM. So ni democracy ya Wakenya. Hiyo ndiyo Raila alikuwa anapigania. Mtu anaweza ingia chama yoyote,” he said.
Ideology influenced DCP decision
Malala said political affiliations should be determined by the philosophy and ideology of a party, as well as the people a politician intends to work with.
He explained that his decision to associate with DCP followed growing disagreements with the administration of President William Ruto, particularly over issues affecting young people and the wider Kenyan public.
According to Malala, some of the issues that contributed to his political shift emerged during the Gen Z-led protests, when demonstrations spread across Nairobi and other parts of the country.
He said he became particularly concerned by the events surrounding the protests and the deaths of young people.
“DCP iliundwa out of yale ambayo tulikubaliana na William Ruto. Tulielewana na wakati wa Gen Z walikuwa wanauawa, wanapigana Nairobi, Kenya, nzima wakati wa maandamano. Mimi niligadhabika,” Malala said.
Malala distances himself from ‘mole’ claims
Malala’s explanation comes amid political debate over his association with DCP and his previous relationship with Ruto’s administration.
He has maintained that his political choices should be understood through the issues and principles that guide him rather than assumptions about his intentions within the party.
The former UDA politician argued that Kenya’s democratic system gives politicians room to reassess their alliances and join political parties whose positions and leadership they believe align more closely with their political objectives.
His comments come as DCP, under former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, continues to position itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
