Gachagua deputy hints at talks with DCP leader to shelve his bid to back Sifuna
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala publicly called on Rigathi Gachagua to abandon his presidential ambitions and support ODM's Edwin Sifuna
- Malala warned that new IEBC timelines could block Sifuna's team from registering Linda Mwananchi Party in time for the 2027 general election
- The remarks were made at the funeral of Senator Boni Khalwale's wife Gloria, where Khalwale also urged Sifuna to reject conditional political support
Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has hinted at pushing former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to drop his 2027 presidential ambitions and throw his weight behind Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking Friday, August 21, while addressing mourners at the funeral service of Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale's wife, Gloria, held at Ikolomani's Malinya Stadium, Malala said he was already in talks with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader make that happen.
Malala's Pitch for Sifuna
Speaking in his capacity as deputy party leader of DCP, Malala declared his personal commitment to Sifuna's presidential bid and revealed he had begun canvassing support from Gachagua.
"Personally, as the deputy leader of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), I will support Sifuna as president. I am also seeking DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua's support in this. I want to assure Sifuna that when his name will come up, I have started negotiating with Gachagua, trying to convince him to support Sifuna," Malala said.
He added that the Luhya community alone could not deliver the presidency and urged Sifuna to build broader coalitions across different regions and communities in the country.
Meanwhie, Malala turned to Khalwale directly, asking him to hand over his United Patriotic Movement (UPM) party to Sifuna and install him as its leader, arguing that the clock was running out for Sifuna's team to establish a functional political vehicle.
His concern stems from a gazette notice published by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Thursday, August 20, which set October 15 as the deadline for political parties to submit their authorised persons and specimen signatures, and October 30 for nomination rules to be certified by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
Malala warned that registering Linda Mwananchi, the party Sifuna's camp is pursuing, within those timelines would be extremely difficult.
"Boni Khalwale, you have your own political party; give it to Sifuna, allow him to be its party leader to enable him vie for the presidency," Malala urged.
Khalwale Challenges Malala to Walk the Talk
In his response, Khalwale acknowledged Sifuna's potential but issued a sharp challenge to Malala, questioning whether his endorsement would extend to Gachagua's political stronghold in the Mount Kenya region.
"If Malala is honest, why doesn't he say the same, on supporting Sifuna, in Mt Kenya region. I want to tell Sifuna that his future is very bright. Leave anyone giving you conditions for their support. Luhya are in their numbers and they are going to help you become president," Khalwale said.
The remarks add fresh momentum to speculation surrounding the 2027 succession politics, with the question of whether Gachagua will shelve his own presidential bid emerging as a central variable in the calculations of western Kenya political figures.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.