Cleophas Malala has backed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following his removal as Senate Deputy Minority Whip, calling for unity within the community and warning against divisions as political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a Facebook post shared on July 18, 2026, Malala urged supporters to rally behind Sifuna, saying unity should take precedence over political differences.

“On the affairs of our community, I will do anything to see to it that we are not divided. Mimi nitasimama nyuma ya kijana wetu Senator Edwin Sifuna,” Malala said. “We can no longer afford to be divided.”

His remarks came two days after changes in the Senate Minority leadership that saw Sifuna replaced as Deputy Minority Whip.

Senate leadership changes

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the changes on July 16, 2026, after receiving a communication from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo.

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch was named the new Senate Deputy Minority Whip.

Following the announcement, Sifuna thanked senators from both the Majority and Minority sides for supporting him during his tenure.

“I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother Sen. Eddy Oketch for his new role,” Sifuna posted on X.

While addressing the Senate, Sifuna also congratulated Oketch and reminded him, in a light-hearted moment, that he would now take over the responsibility of ensuring there was quorum in the House.

The Senate changes came weeks after Sifuna left the position of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General following changes in the party leadership that were recognised by the Registrar of Political Parties.

Sifuna steps up political mobilisation

Despite the leadership changes, Sifuna has continued with political engagements across the country.

On July 18, 2026 while addressing supporters in Taita Taveta County, he criticised President William Ruto’s administration and declared, “Hakuna kura ya Kasongo Taita Taveta.”

He called for the protection of constitutional rights and urged Kenyans to support leadership founded on accountability and the rule of law.

The senator also acknowledged supporters who referred to him as “His Excellency,” saying he viewed it as an expression of confidence from young people backing his political message.

Sifuna further praised voters in the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying they had demonstrated that leadership could not be determined by money alone.

Growing support in Western Kenya

Sifuna has also continued to receive support from leaders in Western Kenya. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya recently said Sifuna’s planned meeting at Bungoma Posta Grounds would be a political rally and not a coronation ceremony.

Natembeya said leaders from the region would mobilise support for Sifuna across the 38 constituencies in the larger Western region.

Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has also expressed support for the Nairobi senator.

Malalah’s endorsement adds to the list of leaders backing Sifuna following the Senate leadership changes, with calls for unity continuing to feature prominently in the opposition’s political engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.