Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has cautioned Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala against fuelling divisions within the opposition, urging him to concentrate on his Kakamega gubernatorial ambitions instead of engaging in premature succession politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Salasya said opposition leaders should prioritise unity over personal ambitions if they hope to mount a formidable challenge against President William Ruto.

Bring down your pride

Salasya insisted that discussions over who should fly the opposition’s presidential ticket or deputise the candidate were misplaced at this stage.

“Let me make this clear: you cannot be the Deputy Party Leader of DCP and at the same time try to create disunity within the united opposition,” Salasya said.

“I said it in Bungoma yesterday, and I’ll repeat it again: everyone should bring down his or her pride. The 2027 election should not be about who is the presidential candidate or deputy president in the united opposition.”

He argued that the opposition should instead focus on building a broad coalition capable of attracting support across the country.

“It should be about every individual and every community putting aside tribal interests and focusing on unity in the united opposition and everybody who believes this Kenya Kwanza regime has failed,” he added.

Tells Malalah to focus on Kakamega race

Salasya warned Malala against creating unnecessary divisions, saying such actions could undermine the opposition’s chances in 2027.

“Our priority should be building a strong, united opposition capable of defeating Mr ‘Ebola Quarantine’ and sending him back to his chicken farming business,” he stated.

“Mr Cleo Malalah, please don’t start creating divisions. It is too early for that, my brother. Unless you want to be seen as a mole within the opposition, you should remain committed to the opposition, pursue your gubernatorial ambitions and avoid actions that could cost you everything.”

Malalah eyes Kakamega governor seat

Salasya’s remarks come weeks after Malala formally declared his bid for the Kakamega governorship in the 2027 General Election.

The DCP deputy party leader announced that he would team up with Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda in a united effort to unseat Governor Fernandes Barasa, arguing that opposition leaders in the county must work together to defeat the incumbent.

“I have committed myself to vying for the governorship in 2027… I cannot succeed alone. Mama Elsie and I must join hands,” Malala said during a public address.

He also urged Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to step in and help in their quest to end Barasa’s rule in Kakamega.

He maintained that unity would be critical in ending what he described as poor governance in Kakamega and has since intensified preparations for the race, including reviving his 2022 campaign machinery as the county’s political contest gathers momentum ahead of the next General Election.