NAIROBI, Kenya – The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has reaffirmed it will field a candidate in the Malava parliamentary by-election slated for November 27, despite pulling out of other upcoming mini-polls in favour of coalition partners.
Deputy party leader Cleophas Malala on Thursday dismissed speculation of a possible compromise in Malava, insisting that the party is fully behind its candidate, lawyer Edgar Busiega Mwanga.
“We have not withdrawn any candidate, and I’m addressing this issue in relation to Malava constituency,” Malala said at the party’s headquarters. “As it stands right now, we have not negotiated with any sister party. If any compromise is to be made, it will not be DCP stepping aside.”
Malala handed Mwanga his nomination certificate in the presence of the party’s elections board, secretariat officials, and several aspirants.
The Malava seat fell vacant following the death of MP Malulu Injedi on February 17 while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the poll alongside by-elections for the Baringo Senate, Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Mbeere North and Ugunja constituencies, as well as 17 county assembly wards.
The announcement comes a day after DCP’s Banisa candidate, Adan Mohamed Kiongozi, dropped out in favour of UDA’s Ahmed Maalim following a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. The party confirmed it would not replace him.
Two weeks earlier, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua had announced that the party would not contest three other by-elections as a goodwill gesture to strengthen the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election.
The party ceded ground in Mbeere North to the Democratic Party, in Muumbuni Ward to Wiper, and in Kabuchai/Chwele Ward to DAP-K.
“For the sake of unity, we are making deliberate choices in areas previously held by our partners. This is not a sign of weakness but a commitment to the bigger picture,” Gachagua said during the September 10 announcement.
Malala, however, made it clear that DCP will field candidates in 14 of the upcoming by-elections.
He urged aspirants not to be intimidated by state pressure, citing the Banisa withdrawal as an example.
“Remain steadfast. This is not a race for the faint-hearted. We are sure we are going to win these seats, and therefore nobody should intimidate you,” he said.
