Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has outlined conditions he would want President William Ruto to meet before considering working with him in the future.
Speaking on Sunday, November 1, Malala said any possible political cooperation with the Head of State would depend on changes in the administration’s governance style, accusing the government of presiding over police killings, accumulating public debt and failing to listen to Kenyans.
The former Kakamega Senator said he would want Ruto to stop what he described as the killing of young people in police cells and pay attention to the concerns and priorities raised by citizens.
“If he will stop killing young people in police cells, if he will open his ears and listen to what Kenyans want and prioritise,” Malala said.
He further accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of increasing the country’s debt burden and using government revenue as security for financial obligations.
Malala also called on the President to abandon what he described as dictatorial and tribalistic leadership, saying his concerns were centred on how the country was being governed.
“If he will stop indebting Kenyans, securitizing every revenue Kenya gets. If he stops being a dictator and a tribalist,” he added.
Malala concluded by saying his reservations about working with Ruto were primarily based on the President’s approach to governance. “I am interested in the governance style he is exercising on us,” Malala stated.
The latest remarks came months after Malala indicated that he had not completely ruled out working with Ruto despite his association with the opposition.
In July 2026, the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General said political alliances could change before the 2027 General Election, arguing that there were no permanent enemies or friends in politics.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Malala said he would first demand answers from Ruto on alleged extrajudicial killings, corruption and the fulfilment of campaign promises made during the 2022 elections.
He specifically cited the 172 promises made by the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying their implementation would influence any decision on future political cooperation.
Malala’s latest remarks therefore added to his earlier position that any engagement with the President would depend on the issues affecting Kenyans rather than political convenience.
The former UDA official served as the party’s Secretary General before his removal in August 2024. He later joined DCP, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua serves as party leader.
