Malala asks Oparanya to help oust Governor Barasa in 2027
By Sharon Atieno, June 21, 2026Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has appealed to former Kakamega Governor and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to help remove Governor Fernandes Barasa from office in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the county needs a new leadership direction.
Malala, while addressing supporters on Saturday, June 20,2026, said Oparanya bears responsibility for backing Barasa into office in 2022 and should now help residents correct what he implied was a leadership mistake. He said he recently visited Oparanya’s office to begin conversations around the county’s political future.
“Juzi mimi ni mtu wa wantam lakini nilijitolea nikaenda kuona baba yangu Oparanya kwa ofisi. Sasa Governor Oparanya kwanza utuombe msamaha ya kutuletea huyu mtu, nilienda kumuona ili atusaidie kutoa Barasa aende nyumbani 2027,” Malala said.
Malala urged Oparanya to play a role in shaping the 2027 contest, arguing that his earlier political decisions significantly influenced the current leadership in Kakamega.
“Governor Oparanya tafadhali vile ulituletea Barasa, tusaidie pia kumtoa 2027,” Malala said, calling for unity among leaders opposed to the current county administration.
Malala turns heat on Barasa administration
The former Kakamega senator has in recent weeks intensified criticism of the county administration, maintaining that Kakamega residents deserve better governance and stronger service delivery ahead of the next election cycle.
Malala further argued that opposition leaders in Kakamega must avoid divisions if they are to mount a successful challenge, insisting that unity would be key in determining the outcome of the gubernatorial race.
“Sababu wewe ndio ulituletea huyo mtu, utatusaidia kumpeleka huyo mtu nyumbani,” he added.
His latest remarks further signal an aggressive early campaign against Barasa as political temperatures begin rising in the county.
2027 gubernatorial race gathers momentum
Malala’s renewed attacks come weeks after he announced plans to revamp the campaign motorcade he used during the 2022 elections as he prepares for another stab at the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027.
The DCP deputy leader recently revealed he was dusting off more than 16 campaign vehicles used under the former ANC party, declaring that preparations for what he termed a “battle royale” had officially begun.
The Kakamega race is already attracting major political players, with Senator Boni Khalwale also declaring interest, setting up what is shaping into one of Western Kenya’s earliest and most competitive political contests ahead of 2027.
Malala is seeking to unseat Governor Barasa while teaming up with Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.