Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala has spoken out on why top opposition co-principals were missing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s return from the United States, insisting there are no cracks within the coalition.
Addressing the media on Friday from Gachagua’s Karen residence, where he hosted allies and supporters, Malala clarified that the absence of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Front (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i was deliberate.
He revealed that intelligence reports had warned of a plot to block the opposition leaders on their way to Kamukunji grounds, with hired goons allegedly mobilised along Mombasa Road.
To prevent chaos, Malala said, the principals chose to skip the airport welcome and instead join supporters later at the rally.
“We made invitations to all the leaders, and their absence at the airport was strategic,” Malala explained.
“We already had information that there were plans to block all of us in one place. So, we agreed that the other principals would meet us at the rally. The reception was simply a party (DCP) affair, and the rally was a joint event.”
Malala further assured opposition supporters that their alliance remained strong despite attempts by rivals to stir division.
“I know it is the wish of the other side for us to be divided, but we want to assure our supporters that we are united. As you can see, our leaders had even planned to attend the Harambee Stars match, but we have received a lot of intimidation, with heavy police deployment to block us,” he said.
Later in the evening, Kalonzo Musyoka visited Gachagua at his Karen home in a move seen as reinforcing the coalition’s unity.
The two, joined by other opposition leaders, went on to watch Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 quarter-final match against Madagascar together, which presented a picture of solidarity.
According to Malala, the day’s events highlighted the opposition’s readiness to adapt to intimidation while safeguarding their unity.
