In a defiant declaration that effectively burns his bridges with the ruling party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has vowed never to return to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing the "blood of Gen Z" as an impassable barrier.

The former UDA Secretary-General, who was unceremoniously ousted from the party leadership, has now set an impossible condition for any potential reconciliation: "Resurrect the victims of the protests first." His statement marks a definitive shift from political maneuvering to moral posturing, positioning himself as a defender of the youth against the administration he once served.

"The Dead Cannot Forgive"

Malala’s rhetoric has escalated sharply. In a video address, he specifically mentioned victims like Rex Maasai, challenging President Ruto to "bring them back to life" if he wants Malala’s support. "I am a shareholder in DCP, and I am here to stay," he asserted, dismissing rumors of a secret deal to rejoin the President’s camp.

• Political Strategy: By anchoring his refusal on the emotive issue of the 2024 protests, Malala is attempting to sanitize his image and appeal to the disillusioned youth vote. He is effectively weaponizing the trauma of the protests to insulate himself from accusations of political opportunism.
• The Fallout: This stance complicates the calculus for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who leads DCP. While Gachagua preaches unity, his deputy is declaring war, suggesting a "good cop, bad cop" strategy—or a genuine fracture in the opposition’s direction.

No U-Turn Ahead

Political insiders view Malala’s outburst as a calculated bid to secure his relevance in the 2027 cycle. By closing the door on UDA, he forces himself to succeed within the opposition. For now, the "Super Senator" has drawn a line in the sand, and it is coloured red.