Cleophas Malala, the Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has announced that the party's primary objective is to remove President William Ruto from power before presenting their detailed agenda for Kenyans. In a K24 TV interview on May 19, 2025, Malala addressed criticisms that DCP, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, lacks a clear policy platform beyond opposing the current administration. Malala justified their approach by asserting that implementing any policy agenda is contingent on first removing the existing government.

Malala stated, "Many people have said that we don’t have an agenda, that our job is just to say Ruto must go, one term. But for our agenda, even if we have a good agenda, how will we implement it if Ruto doesn’t leave? That’s why we must start with his departure.” He emphasized that the party's current messaging reflects public sentiment, noting that citizens are calling for Ruto to serve only one term. He added, "If the people are saying ‘Ruto must go,’ then we will follow what Kenyans want.”

Malala revealed that the DCP plans to officially launch on June 4, 2025, at which time they will disclose more details about their vision and policy framework. He insisted that leadership change is a necessary prerequisite for any significant political or economic transformation. Malala also dismissed attempts by political opponents to define DCP’s messaging, asserting that the party would not be dictated to by its detractors. He clarified that DCP is not a tribal outfit and has made significant inroads into Ruto’s support base, claiming that approximately 2.8 million Kenyans have left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) since DCP’s unveiling on May 15, 2025.

Separately, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, recently released from police custody, cautioned President William Ruto against abusing state power to suppress political opponents. Salasya alleged that he was violently arrested by armed officers who seemed unaware of the charges, suggesting misuse of state agencies. He pledged not to retaliate if elected president, offering Ruto a peaceful transition and urging the president to resist bad advice. Salasya also expressed concern over growing youth frustration with the government, warning that economic despair and repression could drive young people to unrest.

Salasya recounted his arrest, stating that officers ambushed his convoy, disarmed his bodyguards, and fired shots at his vehicle. He questioned why the officers arresting him seemed unaware of the reasons for his arrest. He stated, "I want to ask President William Ruto that I can only be the best president as I'm going to be the president of 2027... I won't revenge to anyone."

Salasya also addressed the frustration among Kenya’s youth, stating, "In fact, what I’m doing today is walking and speaking to the young people so that they should not lose hope. Because if they lose hope right now, they can even decide again to go and march to the State House and do crazy things." Salasya also recounted a previous incident on May 10, where armed men attempted to arrest him at his Mombasa hotel, further fueling his concerns about political intimidation.