Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala (left) and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The hunt for votes by the united opposition in Malava constituency and Kisa East ward in Kakamega county is facing a major hurdle as internal rivalry and feuding escalate between affiliate parties in the formation.
Leaders of the opposition announced they will share elective seats and jointly combine efforts to support one candidate at every level to beat their rivals from the United Democratic Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement Party that form the broad-based government.
But fragmented campaigns point to a possible split in the opposition as internal conflicts, rivalry and public spat take centre stage between officials of Democratic Action Party of Kenya and the Democracy for the Citizens Party of Kenya parties threatening to derail their initial intention to embarrass President William Ruto in the November 27 by-elections.
Affiliate parties in the United Opposition include DCP, Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K, Peoples' Liberation Party and Democratic Party.
The opposition is grappling with escalating internal rivalry and conflicts that could destabilise its unity and cost it victory in the two by-elections in Kakamega County.
Conducting parallel campaigns
While DCP and DAP-K leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa respectively announced that the formation would combine efforts in the by-elections, their party members are conducting parallel campaigns threatening their unity.
On Friday, Trans Nzoia Governor and Deputy party leader of DAP-K George Natembeya and DCP Deputy Party leader Cleophas Malala traded political barbs after they clashed in parallel rallies in Kisa East.
Mr Natembeya drummed support for aspiring MCA Abraham Ayaya in a powerful show of unity and transformation.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya speaks to journalists at Fair Acres Hotel, Nairobi on August 12, 2025.
Accompanied by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, he asked the residents of Kisa East to stand and vote for Mr Ayaya in the November 27 by-election.
"This is the time to redeem the Luhya heritage. A vote for the DAP-K candidate is a vote for the Luhya people," said Mr Natembeya.
Mr Malala condemned Natembeya accusing him of being used by the government to scuttle the plan of the United Opposition.
"All of us from the opposition met in Nairobi and agreed to share elective seats in the coming by-elections. In some parts, Wiper surrendered the seat to either DCP, DP or Jubilee. In other areas, DCP surrendered the seat to either DAP-K, Wiper or other parties," said Mr Malala.
He said in Kakamega county, DAP-K and DCP agreed to share the Malava parliamentary and Kisa East Ward seats.
"In Malava, DCP withdrew its candidate in favour of DAP-K. In return, DAP-K surrendered the Kisa East ward seat to DCP. We are surprised that our affiliate partner from DAP-K has decided to fault our coalition agreement and has fielded a candidate in Kisa East," he said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala speaks to supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at JKIA in Nairobi on August 21, 2025.
He asked the opposition to focus on the 'common enemy' - President William Ruto, whom they are determined to remove from power.
"It is morally wrong for leaders in the United Opposition to rock the boat from inside. Kenya has one enemy - William Ruto," he added.
He described the President as a man who disregards the rule of law, fundamental human rights and continues to perpetuate corruption, nepotism and plunder of public resources in Kenya.
"His agents in Western Region should consider themselves adequately notified," he added.
He urged all members of the opposition to remain united and steadfast against exploitation by the ruling government.
