Deputy Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Cleophas Malala has proposed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the opposition’s presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, suggesting that an experienced politician should deputise him.
Speaking during a radio interview on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Malala said the opposition should embrace youthful leadership while drawing on the experience of veteran politicians to challenge President William Ruto.
“I would definitely say Sifuna flying the presidential flag and any other elderly person taking up the Deputy President,” Malala said.
The former Kakamega senator singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua as potential running mates.
Malala said his preference for Sifuna was informed by the need to give younger leaders an opportunity to lead the country while benefiting from the experience of established politicians.
“We need to have a cocktail of young, fresh leadership with past experience,” he said.
Malala urges opposition unity
The DCP deputy leader called on opposition leaders to agree on a single presidential candidate, warning that fielding multiple candidates could split their support and weaken their chances of defeating Ruto.
He expressed confidence that opposition parties would eventually reach a consensus through negotiations, saying his party leader was working towards ensuring the coalition presents a united front in the 2027 elections.
Malala, however, clarified that his proposal was a personal opinion and did not represent the official position of the DCP.
He said he was prepared to support another candidate if his colleagues persuaded him that a different choice would be better for the opposition.
“If they choose another person, let’s say I lose my arguments, I am convinced otherwise by my colleagues because we also must be tolerant to each other,” Malala said.
He maintained that no single politician could occupy the presidency alongside others, urging opposition leaders to accommodate one another as they negotiate a common candidate.
Malala’s remarks come amid growing discussions among opposition leaders over possible alliances and the selection of a presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
