The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s bid for the presidency, calling on Luhya youth to rally behind his ambitions.
Malala said he would fully support Sifuna and urged young people from the Luhya community to extend their backing to the wider Western Kenya region.
He expressed appreciation for the support Sifuna has received from Luhya youth, saying it should be transformed into broader regional backing.
“I, Cleophas Wahungu Malala, swear that I will stand with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency. The entire Western Region will stand with Sifuna,” he said.
Malala also appealed to young Luhya leaders to unite and support Sifuna’s leadership, arguing that greater cooperation among emerging leaders would strengthen the region’s political influence.
On Saturday, Malala further claimed that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was prepared to back Sifuna’s presidential bid if he is selected as the opposition’s preferred candidate.
Speaking at a Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega on August 8, Malala said he had been sent to deliver a message as political alliances continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Niko na taarifa, leo ni mwecheche, Mheshimiwa Rigathi Gachagua amenituma amesema ako tayari kuunga mkono Edwin Sifuna awe Rais ya Jamhuri ya Kenya,” Malala said.
The remarks came as Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders continued their grassroots mobilisation tour in Western Kenya, seeking to build support for the Nairobi senator’s presidential ambitions.
Malala went on to formally declare his support for Sifuna, saying he believes the ODM Secretary-General has the qualities required to lead the country.
He said his decision was inspired by the vision of former Luhya political leaders Masinde Muliro and Martin Shikuku, arguing that the region should overcome divisions that have previously weakened its political influence.
“We have been our own enemies, but I am glad I will be part of the generation that puts an end to this. This time, we have found a leader, and my leader is Edwin Watunya Sifuna. This child of ours is capable of becoming president of Kenya,” Malala said.
The latest endorsement follows Malala’s previous expressions of support for Sifuna, even as he maintains his political allegiance to Gachagua and the DCP.
Malala has repeatedly advocated for Sifuna to assume a prominent role within a united opposition coalition, arguing that cooperation among opposition parties will be crucial ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has also previously praised Sifuna’s political mobilisation efforts and indicated that he would support him if he emerged as the opposition’s consensus presidential candidate. He has maintained that opposition unity should take priority over individual political ambitions.
“I’m so delighted about the Sifuna Western meeting; I called him to tell him well done. I will support Edwin Sifuna if he is the opposition’s presidential candidate,” Gachagua said.
Sifuna, for his part, has also indicated that he is open to working with Gachagua despite their political differences, including tensions that emerged during Gachagua’s impeachment.
