Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has broken his silence following his party’s loss in the recently concluded Kabras West by-election.

In a statement shared on his social media pages on Monday, March 2, 2026, Malala expressed gratitude to the people of Kabras West for what he described as ‘overwhelming support’ during the by-election.

Speaking on behalf of himself, the DCP party, and party leader Rigathi Gachagua, he thanked voters for their participation and backing despite the party finishing second.

“On behalf of myself, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), and our party leader H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, I wish to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude for the incredible support witnessed during the just-concluded by-election. While the results place us in second position, the true story of this election is not found in the final tally, but in the courage of the voters.”

Paradigm shift

Malala stated that although the final tally placed DCP in second position, the outcome reflected the courage of the voters. He noted that the party entered the race as an emerging political force but managed to outperform established parties, including ODM, which he said garnered only 30 votes. According to him, the results signalled that residents of Kabras West were seeking new direction and fresh leadership.

He further claimed that the campaign period was not conducted on a level playing field. Claiming that DCP supporters and agents endured state-sponsored intimidation, coordinated threats from police officers and state functionaries, systemic violence, and attacks by individuals he described as goons.

He also stated that there was rampant voter bribery during the exercise. Despite these challenges, he said, the party’s supporters remained firm, resisted intimidation, and declined inducements.

Khaemba’s performance

Malala thanked voters who turned out early, stood in line, and cast their ballots for DCP candidate Bramwel Khaemba, stating that their votes represented trust in the party’s vision. He described the performance as a sign that the political landscape in the area was shifting.

He maintained that the party was not discouraged by the outcome but energised, adding that DCP had moved from being a peripheral player to a serious contender within the region.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to justice, democratic principles, Kabras West, Kakamega County, and the country at large, describing the by-election as the beginning of a new political chapter.

Malala concluded by expressing appreciation to the electorate and invoking blessings upon the residents.