“Give Sifuna the Presidential Ticket, Then Choose His Running Mate” – Cleophas Malala

Political figure Cleophas Malala has proposed an arrangement that would place Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at the centre of a possible opposition presidential campaign, while allowing senior political leaders to agree on his running mate.

In remarks reported on October 31, 2026, Malala appealed to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to consider the proposal, drawing a comparison with the political partnership between former United States President Barack Obama and his deputy, Joe Biden. He argued that opposition leaders should study how the Obama-Biden team brought together politicians from different generations and political backgrounds.

Malala noted that Obama was 44 years old when he became president, while Biden, who served as his vice-president, was considerably older. Using that example, he urged Kalonzo and other experienced leaders to support Sifuna for the top position and collectively determine who would deputise him.

The proposal places the question of generational balance and leadership experience at the centre of the opposition’s political debate. It also presents a possible way of addressing competition among senior figures who may have presidential ambitions, without necessarily excluding them from a future administration.

However, the suggestion is a political proposal, not an announced agreement among opposition leaders. For it to gain traction, the leaders involved would need to discuss the idea, agree on a common strategy and build confidence among their supporters. Sifuna’s own position on such a proposal, as well as the willingness of other opposition figures to support it, would also be important.

Malala’s remarks are likely to attract attention because they touch on a key question ahead of the 2027 General Election: whether the opposition can agree on one presidential candidate and avoid divisions that could weaken its campaign. The Obama-Biden comparison offers one model for discussion, but Kenya’s political environment and coalition dynamics are different.

Do you think Edwin Sifuna should be given the opposition’s presidential ticket, with senior leaders choosing his running mate, or should the coalition consider other arrangements? Share your views, remarks and comments in the comment section.

+254Ke feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com