DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has urged Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to hand over his United Patriotic Movement (UPM) to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during Gloria Sekeiyan's burial, Boni Khalwale's late wife, Malala asked the Senator to step down as party leader in favour of Sifuna.
He explained that the move would ensure that the Nairobi Senator has a party to contest in the 2027 Elections.
Malala explained that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) requires parties intending to field a presidential candidate in the General Election to submit their credentials by October 15, yet Linda Mananchi had not been registered.
"We know you can not register a political party within 50 days. Khalwale, you have a party. If you truly love Sifuna, step down as party leader and hand over to him so that he can use it to run for the presidency.
Read More
"That is when we will know you are serious about Sifuna, and we will, as Mulembe nation, head to the elections under that party," the DCP Deputy Leader added.
The former Kakamega Senator further called for the unity of the Luhya nation behind Sifuna's candidature. He, however, acknowledged that the community needed to work with other regions.
Malalah defended himself for joining the DCP party, stating that he did not betray his community, but was trying to broaden the Nairobi Senator's support base. He hinted at convincing his party leader, Rigathi Gachagua, to shelve his bid in Sifuna's favour.
"I have already started talks with Riggy G so that he supports you to become Kenya's next president. So, when you see me in DCP, understand that I am trying to look for 7 million votes," he reiterated.
Khalwale responded by ignoring the plea about his party, but cast aspersions about Malalah convincing Gachagua to drop his ambitions and support the former ODM Secretary General.
"If what you are saying about Gachagua supporting Sifuna is true, how come you do not make the same claim when you are in Mount Kenya?
"Sifuna, your future is very bright. Anybody giving you conditional support, let him or her be," the Kakamega Senator clapped back.
Malalah's sentiments came a day after IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon gazetted the 2027 Election Regulations. Ethekon gave instructions to candidates and political parties seeking to contest for the presidency.
"The IEBC gives notice that each political party intending to participate in the General Election shall submit the names and specimen signatures of their authorised persons on or before Thursday 15th October, 2026," the guidelines read in part.
Notably, parties have until April 8, 2027, to submit the names of the persons contesting in the party primaries, the date and venues of the party primaries on or before Thursday, 8th April, 2027, being at least 21 days before the nomination day.
