Former Kakamega Senator and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala has officially declared his intention to run for Kakamega County governor in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Kisa East in Malava Constituency, Malala expressed confidence in clinching the seat despite his loss in the 2022 gubernatorial race to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Fernandes Barasa.

“I appreciate the support you gave me in 2022. Although it was not enough to secure victory, I remain energized and determined,” Malala told his supporters.

He confidently stated his plans to contest again, urging the electorate to give him a “special consideration” in the upcoming polls.

Malala emphasized the need for transformative leadership in Kakamega County, criticizing the current trend where elected officials disappear after winning office.

“We want leadership that delivers real change, not one that abandons the people after getting elected,” he said.

In the 2022 elections, Malala garnered 159,508 votes, trailing Barasa’s 192,929 votes. His announcement comes just days after veteran politician and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale also declared his candidacy for the county’s top seat.

Khalwale made his intentions public on Sunday, August 3, 2025, vowing to “humiliate” the incumbent governor Barasa in the forthcoming race. He accused Barasa of benefiting from his predecessor, Wycliffe Oparanya’s influence to secure the position and claimed that Barasa would not win in a free and fair contest.

The seasoned politician further pledged to tirelessly work towards bringing resources to Kakamega and holding the county leadership accountable. “My time to become governor is 2027, and I am determined to be the best governor in Kenya,” Khalwale said.

In a notable statement, Khalwale hinted at possibly abandoning the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, which he described as President William Ruto’s party, citing the president’s close friendship with Barasa as a conflict of interest.

“If I rely on UDA, it means siding with the president’s friend Barasa, and that is not acceptable to me,” he added.

As the 2027 elections approach, Kakamega’s gubernatorial race is shaping up to be fiercely contested, with multiple veteran politicians vying to lead the county.