Malala vows alliance with Elsie Muhanda to unseat Governor Barasa in Kakamega race
By Sharon Atieno, June 21, 2026Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has declared that he will join forces with Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda in a united push to unseat Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa in the 2027 General Election.
Malala said ending what he termed as incompetence and poor governance in Kakamega will require leaders opposed to the current administration to work together, insisting that political unity will be key in mounting a serious challenge against Barasa.
Speaking during a public address,on Saturday,June 20,2026 Malala formally announced that he has fully committed himself to the 2027 gubernatorial race, saying he has already made up his mind to seek the county’s top seat but acknowledged he cannot succeed alone.
“Mimi ni kuomba kuwa nimejitolea mwaka wa 2027 nitakuwa nawania kiti cha ugavana… mimi peke yangu sitafaulu, inafaa mimi na Mama Elsie tushikane mikono… ni lazima tushikane,” Malala said.
Alliance to challenge Barasa leadership
The former Kakamega senator argued that residents deserve better leadership and insisted that working together with Muhanda would help build a stronger political movement capable of removing Barasa from office.
Malala maintained that leaders seeking change in Kakamega must avoid division if they hope to succeed in the next election cycle.
“To bring an end to incompetence and poor governance in Kakamega County, it is imperative that Mama Elsie and I join forces, work together and send Governor Barasa home in the next election,” he stated.
2027 Kakamega race begins taking shape
His latest declaration comes weeks after Malala intensified preparations for his second attempt at the Kakamega governor seat after revealing plans to revamp the over 16-vehicle campaign motorcade he used during the 2022 elections.
The outspoken politician recently said he was dusting off his former campaign machinery as he prepares for what he termed a “battle royale” in 2027, signaling that his gubernatorial bid is now fully underway.
The race for Kakamega is already attracting multiple contenders, with Senator Boni Khalwale also declaring interest, setting the stage for an early political contest as pressure mounts on Governor Barasa ahead of the next General Election.