Malala: Politicians from KANU era should be cleared by 2032
By Mabonga Makhanu, May 22, 2026Democracy for Citizens (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has called for an end to politics dominated by leaders from the KANU era, saying that 2027 should be the last time such politicians remain in leadership.
While speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Friday, May 22, 2026, the outspoken former senator stated that Kenya needs an overhaul of the governance system, arguing that such politicians should be phased out by 2032.
“It is time now for a generational shift, but that cannot be done abruptly; it must be done through a transition period, and Kenyans should be patient with this transition. This is the last electioneering period where we are having leaders who were in KANU. Anybody who was in KANU by 2032 should have cleared the way.”
He further expressed frustration, saying that despite having been in political cycles for a long time, some leaders still do not want to step aside and continue holding onto power. He cited Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who has announced his presidential bid in 2032, noting that despite Mudavadi having been in government since 1986, when Malala was only three years old, he still wants to remain in active politics.
“It is quite unfortunate that this generation wants to overstay in power. We have had William Ruto since 1992, and Musalia Mudavadi was a minister in 1986 when I was only three years old, yet he still wants to become president in 2032.”
However, Malala maintained that there cannot be an abrupt overhaul, emphasising the need for a gradual transition. He urged Kenyans to be patient, saying the country should embrace a mix of both older and younger generations as it progressively moves toward youth leadership by 2032.
Amisi’s view on Moi-era politicians
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has also been calling for an overhaul of the governance system and the removal of KANU-era politicians.
He argues that the current electorate does not want legacy politicians who rely on tribal arithmetic to win elections.
According to him, unlike Malala, who has been more lenient, legacy politics will not work in 2027, as Kenyans are now more informed and decisive.
Safina Party Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno has also been advocating for the phasing out of legacy politicians, saying the country must first eliminate such politics and leaders in order to move forward.
Malala has also been pushing for young people to take up leadership positions, calling for policy changes that would reserve the Member of County Assembly seat for individuals below the age of 35.
Caroli Omondi’s view
Suba South MP and Azimio Secretary General Caroli Omondi, on the other hand, has intimated that the Azimio coalition, which was recently revamped and is being viewed as a possible united opposition political vehicle in 2027, will play a key role in the generational change ahead of the next elections.
Caroli said that the presidential ticket in 2027 will be a compromise between the old generation and the younger generation.