Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala of the Democratic Coalition Party (DCP) has reignited debate around Government shareholding in the opposition outfit if they ascend to power in 2027. Malala made these remarks on his podcast, Bonga Na Cleo. He proposed a scenario where Edwin Sifuna becomes the flagbearer and Kalonzo Musyoka becomes the running mate. In this scenario, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could become the Prime Minister with significant 'shares'.
The 'shares' narrative was one of the grounds for impeaching Gachagua in 2024. Malala offered what he refers to as an uncomfortable truth to the opposition principals. He stated that no one will become Kenya's President without working with Mt Kenya people, as politics is about numbers. Malala emphasized that the combined total number of registered voters from the other four regions in the top five cannot match the figure of the Mt. Kenya region.
According to Malala, Mt. Kenya has 8.2 million votes, followed by Western with 2.9 million votes, then Rift Valley with 2.7 million votes, Nyanza with 2.5 million, and Ukambani with 2.3 million. Even if you add them, it does not get to 8.2 million. Malala insisted that for any serious Presidential candidate to achieve the 50 per cent plus one threshold set out in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, they must have the backing of the vote-rich region.
Malala further stated that if you take Mt Kenya plus Mulembe, it's a straight win. That is why he is pushing for the Mountain and Mulembe nation, number one and two, to unite. Malala vowed to form a movement which he has called 'MM', standing for 'Mlima and Mulembe'. He added that if you add 8.2 plus 2.9, that is 70 per cent plus one, which is why he believes President Ruto does not want Sifuna to get a party.
In a past engagement in the United States, Gachagua stated that he was ready to deputise Sifuna if he was selected to fly the opposition ticket. The opposition is expected to sign a personal pledge on Thursday, vowing not to leave if they are not picked as flagbearer. This move aims to ensure unity within the opposition as they prepare for the 2027 elections.
Malala's proposal has significant implications for the opposition's strategy in the upcoming elections. His suggestion that Gachagua could become Prime Minister with significant 'shares' has revived debate around Government shareholding in the opposition outfit. This could potentially pave the way for a Mt Kenya-Mulembe alliance, which Malala believes would guarantee a win for the opposition.
The opposition is yet to respond to Malala's proposal. However, with the 2027 elections approaching, it is clear that the debate around Gachagua's 'shares' and the potential for a Mt Kenya-Mulembe alliance will continue to shape the opposition's strategy. The outcome of these discussions will likely have a significant impact on the opposition's chances of success in the upcoming elections.
Key points
- Malala suggests Rigathi Gachagua could be Prime Minister with significant 'shares' if Edwin Sifuna becomes President and Kalonzo Musyoka becomes running mate.
