The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has denied reports that its candidate for the Malava parliamentary by-election, Edgar Busiega, has withdrawn from the race.

In a statement released on September 14, 2025, DCP Secretary General Hezron Obaga said the rumours were false and intended to mislead the public. He accused rival parties of spreading propaganda after sensing Busiega’s growing support in the constituency.

“The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) wishes to inform the public that the reports circulating claiming that our candidate for the Malava Parliamentary race, Edgar Busiega, has withdrawn are false and misleading,” Obaga stated.

“These claims are the result of panic by our competitors, who have sensed defeat in the face of the growing popularity of our candidate. Edgar Busiega remains firmly in the race, and we are confident of victory come 27th November 2027.”

This follows days after DAP-K supporters rejected DCP’s deputy party leader Cleophas Malala’s call to withdraw its candidate from the race.

He urged supporters to ignore speculation and remain focused on the campaign.

“We urge our supporters and the people of Malava to ignore propaganda and remain focused on the journey ahead.”

Elsewhere, the Abasonje clan endorsed the DCP candidate, rejecting external interference in the Malava MP race.

The clarification came after social media posts claimed that DCP had quietly pulled out of the Malava contest, similar to its withdrawal from the Mbeere North by-election.

In Mbeere North, the party decided to back the Democratic Party (DP) aspirant as part of a wider opposition alliance deal.

Malava by-election battle lines

DCP unveiled Busiega as its Malava candidate in July 2025. The party’s deputy leader, Cleophas Malala, said then that DCP would field aspirants across the country, including areas seen as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) strongholds. Busiega was among the first group of by-election hopefuls presented by the new party.

However, the party has faced criticism from established leaders. On August 15, 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dismissed DCP as inexperienced and without influence. Speaking during an empowerment event in Malava, Mudavadi argued that the people would benefit more by supporting UDA, which he described as having the capacity to deliver development.

His remarks were met with sharp criticism from Malala.

“Now, this party that has just arrived, calling itself DCP… it is not even a parliamentary party. It doesn’t have a representative right now. Why do they want to experiment with the people of Malava?” Mudavadi said. He urged residents to rally behind UDA, the ruling party led by President William Ruto.

The Malava by-election is one of several parliamentary and ward races scheduled for November 27, 2025. The contests will test the strength of both government and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.