NAIROBI, Kenya — The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has ruled out joining the newly rebranded Ukombozi Alliance, instead proposing a separate political arrangement with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna before negotiating a broader opposition coalition.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala said on Wednesday, September 23, that his party would first work with the Linda Mwananchi Movement associated with Sifuna before engaging parties in the Ukombozi Alliance.
“We as DCP cannot join the Ukombozi Alliance. They should join together as TUA, while we in the DCP will join Sifuna. Then we will negotiate together for one coalition,” Malala said.
DCP Plans Separate Coalition With Sifuna
Malala said DCP would initially establish a coalition arrangement with the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
He said the two sides would then negotiate with parties within the Ukombozi Alliance to establish a wider opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We will sit down after they have come together as TUA. Then they will come and sit with us for an agreement,” he added.
The proposal would leave DCP outside the current Ukombozi Alliance structure while creating a separate bloc that could later negotiate with it.
Ukombozi Alliance Replaces Azimio
Malala’s remarks come two days after the former Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition adopted the name Ukombozi Alliance.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced the rebranding on September 21, saying the decision had been unanimously agreed upon by parties within the coalition.
The rebranding is part of efforts by opposition parties to reorganise their political structures and broaden their alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, reporting since the announcement has also highlighted disagreements over the Ukombozi identity between the Kalonzo-led coalition and political actors associated with Sifuna.
Malala’s Position Differs From Earlier Ukombozi Plans
Kalonzo had indicated that the rebranded alliance would involve efforts to bring additional opposition partners into the coalition, including DCP and the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Malala’s latest remarks indicate that DCP does not currently intend to join the alliance directly.
Instead, he proposes that DCP and Sifuna’s political formation first establish their own arrangement and subsequently negotiate with Ukombozi parties.
Sifuna Camp Yet to Confirm Arrangement
Sifuna’s side has not, according to the reports reviewed, formally confirmed the coalition arrangement proposed by Malala.
Sifuna has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement as opposition parties explore different political vehicles ahead of the 2027 election. The dispute over the use of the Ukombozi name has also complicated efforts to establish a separate political vehicle around his camp.
Malala has nevertheless indicated that DCP intends to pursue discussions with Sifuna before any broader negotiations with the Ukombozi Alliance.
