Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has officially declared his intention to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to his supporters in Kakamega on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Malala said he is returning to the race to reclaim what he described as a stolen victory in the 2022 elections.

He strongly criticised his previous competitors and current political rivals, including Senator Boni Khalwale and Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, arguing that they are not strong enough to unseat the current governor, Fernandes Barasa.According to Malala, he remains the only candidate capable of challenging Barasa effectively and bringing change to the county leadership.

Despite his current claims that the 2022 election was rigged, Malala is previously on record congratulating Governor Barasa after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared him the winner.He also pledged at the time to cooperate with Barasa’s administration in serving the people of Kakamega.In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Barasa, who ran on an ODM ticket, won with 192,929 votes, while Malala came in second with 159,508 votes.Barasa succeeded former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who had served two consecutive terms.

Malala, who previously served as Kakamega senator from 2017 to 2022, now positions himself for a political comeback, insisting that he was unfairly denied victory and is prepared to challenge the incumbent in the next electoral cycle.

The announcement signals an increasingly competitive political landscape in Kakamega County as key figures begin early mobilisation ahead of 2027 elections.Barasa is also expected to defend his seat as he continues to highlight his development agenda for the county.