Editor's Review

Cleophas Malala has declared support for Mukhisa Kituyi's appointment as the United Opposition’s spokesperson and head of secretariat.

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala now says he supports the appointment of Mukhisa Kituyi as the United Opposition spokesperson and head of secretariat.

Taking to his X account on Sunday, September 7, Malala said he fully supports the decision by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and other leaders in the United Opposition to appoint Kituyi.

The former Kakamega Senator, however, said he will continue championing for youth leadership.

“I fully support the decision by my Party Leader and the summit leadership in integrating the elderly for experience and youth for valour, energy, and creativity.

“I, however, remain steadfast advocating for youthful leadership because youth is what propels nations,” Malala stated.

File image of former UNCTAD Sec-Gen Dr Mukhisa Kituyi.

Kituyi was appointed as the United Opposition spokesperson and the Head of Secretariat following a meeting held at the SKM Command Center in Karen on Wednesday, September 3.

“The United Opposition has appointed Hon. Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi as their spokesperson and the Head of the Opposition Secretariat,” the opposition team announced.

Following the appointment, Malala expressed dissatisfaction with Kituyi, arguing that he lacked the qualities needed to serve as the coalition’s spokesperson.

“My position on the choice of the spokesperson is that the united opposition deserves to demonstrate willingness in engaging with fresh youthful leadership that can propel the country to the next frontier of politics and governance, qualities which Kituyi is acutely lacking,” Malala said.

On Sunday, Gachagua said he had spoken to Malala and explained why Kituyi’s appointment was necessary for the opposition team.

“The other day at the secretariat, we appointed Mukhisa Kituyi to assist us, but my deputy, Cleophas Malala, was concerned, saying we had brought in an older person, yet it should only be the youth.

“At the secretariat, we already have Gen Zs and millennials who are pushing the work and doing a good job. We have confidence in the youth, but we must also find someone with experience to guide and mentor them,” Gachagua said.

The United Opposition team comprises Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee Party Chairman Torome Saitoti.

Former cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang'i and Justin Muturi are also part of the opposition team.