OPPOSITION'S POLITICAL HICCUPS AS DCP AND DAP-K SCRAMBLE FOR POWER IN MALAVA

Opposition Unity Wobbles as Gachagua's DCP Pressures Eugene Wamalwa's DAP-K to Step Aside.

Tensions are rising within the newly minted United Opposition coalition as political fault lines emerge ahead of the much-anticipated Malava by-election. What was once pitched as a unified front against President Ruto’s UDA machine is now being tested, as key opposition parties push divergent agendas.

At the centre of the latest dispute is a public call by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, for its coalition partner—Eugene Wamalwa’s Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K)—to shelve its candidate in favour of DCP’s flagbearer.

During a weekend rally in Malava, DCP Secretary General Cleophas Malala directly appealed to DAP-K to withdraw from the contest, urging them to back DCP’s candidate, lawyer Edgar Busiega.

“If we’re serious about forming a united opposition, then it’s only logical that our brothers in DAP step aside and rally behind our candidate,” Malala stated. “If they choose to go ahead and field their own, that’s their democratic right, but we’ll meet them at the ballot.”

Busiega, a youthful advocate, was officially presented as DCP’s candidate on July 17 at a ceremony in Nairobi attended by top party brass. Malala emphasized that the party was committed to championing new-generation leadership and viewed Busiega’s candidacy as a fresh start for Malava.

DAP-K, unshaken by DCP’s demands, has already thrown its weight behind Seth Panyako, the former secretary general of the Kenya National Union of Nurses. Wamalwa, while endorsing Panyako, accused the Ruto-led administration of laying the groundwork to interfere with the mini poll.

“Ruto, you are a one-term president. Don't think we don’t see your plans to manipulate the Malava election. Stay away and let the people decide,” Wamalwa warned during a fiery address over the weekend.

The by-election, triggered by the death of MP Malulu Injendi earlier this year, has grown into a high-stakes litmus test for opposition strength—and cohesion.

Malala made it clear that DCP has broader ambitions beyond the Kakamega-based constituency. He revealed that the party's National Executive Council has approved a wide-reaching campaign strategy targeting multiple upcoming by-elections, including in Kasipul constituency in Nyanza.

“We’re not just here for Malava,” said Malala. “We’re building a truly national movement. DCP is positioning itself as a serious contender with a countrywide reach.”

Moreover, there are speculations of Ruto's UDA fielding a candidate - this follows Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale raising alarm over the increasing presence of Farouk Kibet—President Ruto’s close aide—in Malava politics. Kibet has made several high-profile visits to the constituency, often cloaked as “empowerment missions,” but critics view them as attempts to sway voter opinion.

Khalwale accused Kibet of exploiting community engagements to subtly campaign for a preferred candidate linked to the late MP’s family. He warned residents to remain vigilant and reject any external attempts to manipulate the election outcome.

“These visits are not innocent. There’s a larger agenda at play, and Malava must stand firm against it,” Khalwale cautioned.

With both DCP and DAP-K refusing to blink, and allegations of government meddling flying, the Malava by-election has turned into a microcosm of the broader political realignments expected as the 2027 elections draw near.

The battle lines are drawn—and unity in the opposition is proving easier said than done.