Cleophas Malala Addresses UDA Return Claims After ‘Naeza Enda’ Remarks
Cleophas Malala has strongly dismissed claims that he is secretly working with President William Ruto, insisting he will not be intimidated by critics and declaring that he is free to engage with any political leader—even suggesting he could work with the president again if he chose.
Speaking during an interview aired by Amaica Media, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader confronted persistent accusations that he has become a political “mole” for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary-general rejected the allegations, arguing that political dialogue should not be confused with disloyalty.
Rather than brushing aside the accusations, Malala questioned why he was being singled out when politicians from opposing camps routinely maintain communication behind the scenes.
“Akasema huyo mtu amenunuliwa sijui nyumba, amehongwa, amefanya nini? Hao watu wote sahii wako wapi? Kule. So mwache kuniangalia mimi nikisema kitu. Na tena mimi sio mtu wa kuintimidiwa. Ukiiniita mimi mtu William Ruto, naeza enda hata kwa William Ruto. Mimi sio mtu wa kutishwa na kufanywa nini,” he said.
Malala maintained that political leaders often speak to one another regardless of public rivalries, arguing that such interactions are a normal part of politics.
To support his point, he cited President William Ruto and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, as well as Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, claiming leaders continue engaging despite political differences.
“Na hao watu wote wanaongea. Hata William Ruto, saa zingine usipochunga anapiginanga Rigathi Gachagua simu. Saa zingine Rigathi Gachagua, huyu saa zingine anapigia Musalia Mudavadi. Tusidanganyane. Hatuwezi kukosana kwa sababu ya siasa. Wananchi wanafaa waembiwe kwamba hawa wanasiasa wanaongea,” Malala stated.
One of the most notable revelations from the interview came when Malala disclosed that he had personally spoken with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula a day earlier.
Although he acknowledged that their discussion ended in disagreement, he insisted that political differences should never prevent leaders from communicating. Malala said he could even produce their text messages as evidence that the conversation took place.
“So mimi kuanza kunipatia hii kitu ati mimi ni mole, hiyo kitu mutaongea mpaka siku ile mtakufa. Mimi naongea, nitaongea na kila mtu. Ni haki yangu kuongea na kila mtu. Na musidanganywe ya hakuna mtu haongei na mtu. Mimi jana nimeongea na Wetang’ula. Jana. Eh, na nitakuonyesha hata ujumbe wetu. Tumeongea na yeye tumekosana lakini tumeongea,” he said.
Malala argued that disagreements should not end communication, adding that Kenyans deserve transparency about how political leaders interact behind closed doors instead of being led to believe that engagement across political divides is unusual.
His latest remarks come amid sustained speculation over his political future.
Since the middle of 2026, Malala has faced increasing scrutiny after his reduced visibility within DCP coincided with reports linking him to individuals allied to President Ruto.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has previously alleged that Malala was attempting to reconnect with the president through intermediaries.
However, Malala has consistently rejected those claims, maintaining that they are part of a broader government-backed campaign aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As political alliances continue to shift, Malala’s comments are likely to fuel fresh debate over his future and whether he could eventually find his way back into Ruto’s political orbit.
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