Opposition Rift Deepens as Cleophas Malala Accuses Governor Natembeya of Working With Ruto Administration
Cracks within Kenya’s united opposition widened on Friday after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala launched a fierce attack against Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, accusing him of secretly advancing President William Ruto’s political interests.
Speaking during a rally in Kakamega on November 14, Malala claimed that Natembeya — who also serves as the DAP-Kenya deputy party leader — had been “compromised” by the government and was allegedly collaborating with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to destabilise the opposition ahead of a string of by-elections.
Malala alleged that Natembeya was working “very closely” with President Ruto’s administration to influence the outcomes of upcoming local races, including the Kisa East Member of County Assembly by-election, in favour of pro-government candidates.
“President Ruto’s government has seen that we are going to win all these by-elections and has gone ahead to bribe one of us by the name George Natembeya,” Malala claimed during the address. He insisted the Trans Nzoia county boss had been recruited to create internal divisions: “The government directed him to disrupt the campaigns of the opposition in Kisa East so that the government could win.”
Malala accused Natembeya of travelling “all the way from Trans Nzoia” with the intention of sowing discord between DCP supporters allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and their DAP-Kenya counterparts loyal to former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
In a sharp personal rebuke, Malala described the governor as “double-minded,” insisting that Natembeya had not fully transitioned from his previous career in law enforcement to a neutral political leadership role.
“I have realised that you have not moved on from the mindset of a police officer to a governor because you are double-minded,” Malala said. “Natembeya is being used by the National Intelligence Service to divide us.”
The escalating war of words highlights growing tensions within the opposition coalition, which has been struggling to project unity amid renewed outreach from President Ruto as the 2027 General Election draws closer.
Just two days earlier, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa had publicly dismissed reports suggesting he was preparing to work with the President’s broad-based government. Addressing supporters on November 12, Wamalwa insisted that any talks with State House would have to involve all key opposition leaders — and not individuals approached privately.
“I got many calls from enquiring people, saying they had heard Kalonzo and I were being sought by Ruto. Even Gachagua asked if Ruto was indeed looking for us,” Wamalwa said. “And he said we should not leave him behind.”
The former minister added that any communication with the government would be routed through Deputy President Gachagua, whom he jokingly referred to as the opposition’s “spokesperson”.
“I would like to tell Gachagua that if Ruto calls us, we will inform him that Gachagua is our spokesperson,” he said. “We will tell Ruto that if he is looking for us, he should go to Wamunyoro and speak with Gachagua.”
Wamalwa reaffirmed the opposition’s determination to unseat President Ruto in 2027, urging supporters to remain steadfast and not fall for what he described as the Head of State’s political manoeuvres.
The latest confrontation now places further strain on the already fragile alliance, raising questions over whether opposition leaders can maintain cohesion amid intense political pressure from the ruling coalition.
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Opposition Rift Deepens as Cleophas Malala Accuses Governor Natembeya of Working With Ruto Administration