Malala warns Sifuna against Raila’s political mistakes, backs Natembeya

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has cautioned Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna against repeating the political mistakes of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Speaking at a public gathering on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Malala urged opposition leaders to rethink their approach to winning the presidency. He praised Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for backing Sifuna’s presidential ambitions instead of pursuing his own interests, describing the move as crucial for unity among younger politicians.

Malala argued that despite Raila’s extensive following, his failure to secure support from the Mt Kenya region led to his unsuccessful bids for the presidency. "Raila Odinga hakuna mtu Afrika nzima alikuwa na ufuasi kuliko Raila Odinga," Malala stated. "But all his support, because he didn’t work with Mount Kenya people, he died as he was not the President of his Republic."

The former senator cautioned Sifuna against making similar errors, urging opposition leaders to build broader alliances across communities. Malala, who had spoken to Sifuna, supported efforts to create a political movement around the Nairobi senator. He also commended Natembeya for putting aside his presidential ambitions to support another leader, viewing the gesture as a step towards political unity.

Malala expressed concern over potential rivalry among younger leaders from the same region, warning that prolonged competition could weaken their chances of ascending to the presidency. Malala’s remarks come as Sifuna’s presidential bid gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election. Sifuna officially announced his presidential ambitions on Sunday, October 4, 2026, when he was appointed leader and presidential candidate of The Equitable Party, a party his allies adopted as their vehicle for the 2027 election.