Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has dismissed reports suggesting there is a fallout between him and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the claims are part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public and destabilize opposition politics.
Speaking on Saturday, June 6, Malala alleged that the government is behind what he described as propaganda aimed at portraying divisions among opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He maintained that such narratives are intended to weaken political unity and divert attention from national issues.
Malala denies rift with Gachagua, blames government for propaganda.Photo: Courtesy.
Malala firmly denied any disagreement with Gachagua, insisting that their political relationship remains intact.
He stated that the reports circulating in sections of the media and political circles do not reflect the reality of their engagement and cooperation within the opposition space.
He further argued that the alleged differences being circulated are deliberately crafted to sow confusion among supporters and create friction within emerging political alliances.
According to him, the strategy is meant to fragment opposition forces as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.
The former senator’s remarks come at a time when political realignments are increasingly shaping discussions around succession politics, with various leaders positioning themselves for influence ahead of 2027.
His comments also follow his recent declaration that he will contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the next general election.
Speaking during a funeral service on Saturday, May 30, Malala confirmed his return to the race, signaling a renewed political push for the county’s top seat.
He told supporters that he intends to stage a comeback and challenge the outcome of the 2022 election, which he believes did not reflect the will of the electorate.
Malala also expressed confidence in his political standing in the county, downplaying potential rivals in the gubernatorial race.
He suggested that he remains the strongest contender to challenge the current leadership, arguing that his experience and political base position him favourably for a competitive race.
He specifically pointed to his past performance in the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial election, where he vied on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket and finished second.
In that contest, Governor Fernandes Barasa, who ran on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, emerged victorious after garnering 192,929 votes, while Malala secured 159,508 votes.
As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of 2027, Malala’s remarks add to the growing discourse around alliances, rivalries, and strategies within the opposition and broader political landscape.
