Malala recounts how he persuaded Mudavadi to abandon presidential bid and join Ruto
By Kiprono Keileb, December 5, 2025DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has given a rare and candid reflection on the behind-the-scenes political manoeuvres that defined the 2022 General Election.
Speaking during a homecoming ceremony of Kisa East MCA–elect Aduda Okwiri on Friday, December 5, 2025, Malala recounted how Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi ultimately abandoned his presidential bid and chose to align with President William Ruto, an alliance that would go on to shift the country’s political landscape.
Malala told the crowd that the journey to the Kenya Kwanza alliance began long before the public announcement, rooted in what he described as honest conversations about political arithmetic, community interests and the reality of national competition, adding that those around them, including Francis Atwoli, were misleading the Luhya community.
“Nakumbuka kuna siku Musalia Mudavadi na Moses Wetangula walikuwa wamekosa hesabu za kuingia katika serikali, Kina Francis Atwoli walikuwa wamewaelekeza waluhya mahali pa kuwapotosha,” Malala said
He explained that he took time to analyse the numbers ahead of the election.
“Mimi katika uchaguzi uliopita nilikaa chini nilipiga hesabu zangu vizuri na nikajua William Ruto hata kama hatumpendi hesabu yake inaingiana,” Malala said.
According to him, this analysis led to a candid conversation with Mudavadi, where he asked the ANC leader to confront the political realities of the time.
“Nilienda nikakalisha Musalia chini nikamwuliza, wewe unataka kusimama kuwa rais Raila akisimam na Ruto asimame, nani atashinda?” he said.
Malala claimed Mudavadi admitted he would come third after Raila Odinga and William Ruto. He questioned why Mudavadi would run knowing he would lose, especially after disagreements within NASA and Raila’s handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Nikamwambia kama wewe utakuwa number 3, jamii yetu itafaidika namna gani,” Malala recounted.
He said Mudavadi insisted he could force a run-off and later bargain for a position in government. Malala pushed back, asking why he would go through a presidential campaign just to become a Cabinet Secretary.
“Nikamwambia siuombe tu Ruto ama Raila akupe hicho na umsupport,” he said, adding that Mudavadi rejected supporting Raila.
Malala told the gathering that he then reached out to William Ruto and arranged a meeting between him and Mudavadi.
“Mimi ndiye niliongea naye akutane na Ruto. Waliongea na tukakubaliana kuweka sahihi tuunge mkono William Ruto na tukashinda,” he said.
He ended by stressing his personal role in bringing Mudavadi into Ruto’s camp.
“Mimi ndiye nilimshika Musalia kwa William Ruto,” he declared