By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 5 July 2026 - Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has proposed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the preferred running mate for the United Opposition in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the deputy presidency should go to the Western region regardless of who is chosen to lead the coalition.
Speaking as opposition leaders continue negotiations to field a single presidential candidate, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader said the Luhya community was not demanding the top seat but expected to be considered for the country's second-highest office.
"We as the Luhya community have said we are not asking for the presidency. We are reserving the deputy presidency. Whether the opposition settles on Kalonzo, Gachagua or Matiang'i as its presidential candidate, those who do not get the ticket should support the chosen candidate," Malala said.
He singled out Sifuna as the region's preferred candidate for the deputy presidency.
"I am proposing that we front our son Edwin Sifuna to become the Deputy President. If Kalonzo is chosen as the opposition presidential candidate, that is fine. If Gachagua is chosen, that is also fine. But the deputy presidency should go to our son, Sifuna," he said.
Malala said if the coalition settles on another candidate for the running mate position, it should still pick someone from the Western region.
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"If anyone wants to deny us the deputy presidency, then they should instead give us the presidency. And if Sifuna is not the preferred candidate, then another leader from our region, such as Eugene Wamalwa, should be considered," he added.
His remarks come as opposition leaders intensify talks aimed at building a united front to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
The coalition brings together several influential figures, including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, all of whom have been linked to the race for the opposition's presidential ticket.
Despite growing speculation over the coalition's leadership structure, the alliance has yet to announce its presidential candidate or running mate, with consultations expected to continue in the coming months.