The two leaders reconciled during a function held at the DCP headquarters on Thursday, March 19, 2026, where Malala publicly addressed the dispute that had caused tension in Kirinyaga County politics.
The fallout had emerged after Malala convened a meeting in Kenol with a section of Members of County Assembly (MCAs), many of whom later defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join DCP.
The move had angered Jane Njeri, who accused Malala of engaging leaders allied to Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in a manner she believed could undermine the influence of DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua in the region.
The move had angered Jane Njeri, who accused Malala of engaging leaders allied to Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in a manner she believed could undermine the influence of DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua in the region.
Malala had initially responded sharply, labeling the Woman Representative a “gatekeeper” who sought to control political access in Kirinyaga. However, in a dramatic turn of events, he retracted his remarks and instead praised her role within the party.
“Nilisikia mtu akisema ati huyu ni gatekeeper; hapana, huyu anakaa watchman kweli, huyu ni guardian angel wa Gachagua. Kazi yake si kuwa gatekeeper; kazi yake ni kukaribisha watu kwa chama. Huyu ndio usher wa chama,” Malala said, as he held her hand and smiled—an act that drew cheers from supporters present.
Jane Njeri welcomed the remarks and embraced the reconciliation, marking a significant shift from the earlier public exchanges that had threatened party cohesion.
The feud had previously escalated after the Woman Representative accused Malala of soliciting money from political aspirants in exchange for party tickets ahead of the 2027 General Election—claims she alleged were consistent with his past role as UDA Secretary General.
Malala, however, dismissed the accusations, maintaining that his engagements with MCAs were part of efforts to strengthen DCP ahead of a planned meeting with Gachagua.
Indeed, shortly after the meetings, at least 10 MCAs from Kirinyaga defected to DCP after visiting Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence.
Malala also accused Jane Njeri of pushing for a direct party ticket in 2027, a claim she strongly rejected, insisting she is ready to run even as an independent candidate if necessary.
With the truce now in place, DCP appears keen to present a united front as it continues to expand its influence across the Mt Kenya region.
Indeed, shortly after the meetings, at least 10 MCAs from Kirinyaga defected to DCP after visiting Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence.
Malala also accused Jane Njeri of pushing for a direct party ticket in 2027, a claim she strongly rejected, insisting she is ready to run even as an independent candidate if necessary.
With the truce now in place, DCP appears keen to present a united front as it continues to expand its influence across the Mt Kenya region.