A political standoff has emerged within the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) after Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accused the party’s deputy leader Cleophas Malala of fueling divisions in the county and allegedly working with former Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru.
The dispute erupted after Malala publicly declared that the party would not issue direct tickets to any aspirant ahead of the next elections, insisting that all candidates must go through a competitive nomination process.
Malala said the party would treat all aspirants equally regardless of their political influence or public profile.
In his remarks, he stated that the rule would apply to everyone, including Maina.
“DCP has no sacred cows. Every aspirant who wishes to contest under the party’s banner will be subjected to a free, fair and transparent nomination process,” Malala said.
He added that leadership positions within the party would be determined by voters through democratic competition rather than preferential treatment.
However, Maina quickly pushed back against the statement, accusing Malala of spreading misleading claims and interfering with the party’s unity in Kirinyaga County.
In a response, the woman representative dismissed the suggestion that she expected a direct nomination ticket from the party.
“I will respond to this because when lies are left to fly, they grow legs,” Maina said.
She added that she had seen the letter circulating online but would only issue a detailed response if it was formally posted by an official party platform.
Maina insisted she had never demanded a direct ticket and emphasized that she retains the option of contesting as an independent candidate if her political values clash with the party’s direction.
“I am not entitled to a direct party ticket. As a matter of fact, allow me to bring it to your attention that I have a choice to seek reelection as an independent candidate if I find my core values conflicting,” she said.
She further criticized Malala personally, rejecting any suggestion that she could be politically manipulated.
“I may be young, stupid and gullible? Not in this lifetime,” she said.
Maina also accused Malala of allegedly working with former governor Anne Waiguru to create splinter groups within the party in Kirinyaga, claims that could deepen internal tensions ahead of the party’s nominations.
The escalating exchange highlights growing political friction within the DCP as leaders position themselves for upcoming electoral contests, particularly in regions where competition for party tickets is expected to be intense.