DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has stirred fresh debate within the opposition after making bold remarks on the race to identify a single presidential candidate.
Speaking at a recent event, Malala argued that the Luhya community is unlikely to produce the opposition’s presidential flag bearer because several influential leaders from other regions are already competing for the position.
He singled out Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, and Martha Karua, all of whom have publicly expressed interest in flying the opposition’s presidential flag.
According to Malala, the four leaders will be given a clear timeline to agree on one candidate who will lead the coalition into the next General Election. However, he maintained that the deputy presidential slot should be reserved for the Luhya community.
“Those who fail to secure the presidential ticket among the four must be ready to line up behind Edwin Sifuna because the Luhya community is not going to negotiate on that. Sifuna will be the deputy, come what may,” Malala declared.
His remarks have introduced a new dimension to the ongoing discussions within the opposition, with political observers suggesting they could influence negotiations over the coalition’s leadership structure.
However, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has cautioned Malala against taking such a hardline position this early, arguing that it could undermine the unity the opposition is trying to build.
According to Salasya, the choice of a running mate should be based on consensus among coalition partners rather than regional demands. He insisted that anyone, regardless of their community, should be eligible to deputize the presidential candidate if all parties agree.