Former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala is facing criticism from some opposition figures following a series of meetings with senior government officials, raising questions about his political alignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The latest concerns emerged after Malala held separate meetings with key figures serving in President William Ruto’s administration, including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala.
On Saturday, Malala met Dr. Inyangala, who was his running mate during the 2022 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
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Following the meeting, he emphasized the need for unity, inclusive development, and improved service delivery in Kakamega County. He said the county’s residents deserve leadership that prioritizes development and works towards eliminating poverty, disunity, and insecurity.
The meeting came just days after the former UDA Secretary-General paid a courtesy call to CS Oparanya.
Malala described the visit as an opportunity to seek guidance and learn from Oparanya’s experience and leadership record during his tenure as Kakamega governor.
However, the engagements have sparked debate within opposition circles, with some leaders questioning why a senior official in the opposition is frequently meeting leaders associated with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Critics argue that the meetings could send mixed signals to supporters regarding the party’s political direction.
Among those who have voiced concerns is Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, who accused Malala of damaging the image of the opposition movement and pursuing personal political interests.
Murango further alleged that some senior DCP officials share similar concerns and claimed that Malala has not done enough to strengthen the party’s presence in the Western Kenya region.
Despite the criticism, Malala has maintained that he remains committed to the opposition and has not indicated any intention of changing his political position. He has yet to publicly address speculation surrounding the significance of his meetings with government officials.
The developments come at a time when political parties are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with alliances, regional influence, and party loyalty expected to play a major role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
As debate continues, Malala’s interactions with state officials are likely to remain under close scrutiny from both supporters and critics.