Trans Nzoia – Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala publicly embraced Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, just days after alleging that Natembeya works for the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The event was captured in a video posted on social media by Governor Natembeya’s media team on November 21.
In the footage, the two leaders are seen warmly embracing as a crowd applauds in the background, signaling a surprising show of unity.
The gesture came after Malala, during a campaign rally in Kisia East on November 14, accused Natembeya of collaborating with the NIS to weaken opposition forces from within.
The gesture came after Malala, during a campaign rally in Kisia East on November 14, accused Natembeya of collaborating with the NIS to weaken opposition forces from within.
Malala claimed Natembeya refused to vacate the Kisia East ward seat for the DCP candidate, contrary to an agreement within the united opposition.
He further alleged that DCP had agreed to leave the Malava parliamentary seat for the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen opposition unity.
He further alleged that DCP had agreed to leave the Malava parliamentary seat for the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen opposition unity.
Malala’s accusations had sparked heated debates across social media and political circles, raising questions about trust and coordination among allied parties.
Despite the earlier claims, the recent embrace between Malala and Natembeya appears to signal reconciliation or at least a temporary truce ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Despite the earlier claims, the recent embrace between Malala and Natembeya appears to signal reconciliation or at least a temporary truce ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Both leaders are part of a wider united opposition effort campaigning in western Kenya to challenge pro-government candidates and increase voter support.
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Events like the one involving Malala and Natembeya suggest that political rivalries within opposition ranks are being managed carefully to avoid public disputes that could weaken their position.
Governor Natembeya has been active in the region, attending rallies and engaging with local communities, while Malala continues to push for DCP’s visibility and influence.
Governor Natembeya has been active in the region, attending rallies and engaging with local communities, while Malala continues to push for DCP’s visibility and influence.
Their public reconciliation may also be aimed at presenting a united front to voters, reassuring them that internal disagreements will not derail the opposition’s strategy.
Political analysts suggest that gestures of unity, such as the embrace between Malala and Natembeya, play an important role in maintaining coalition stability.
Political analysts suggest that gestures of unity, such as the embrace between Malala and Natembeya, play an important role in maintaining coalition stability.
With by-elections approaching in several constituencies, including Malava and Kisia East, opposition parties are keen to avoid infighting that could cost them critical votes.
Observers noted that the timing of the embrace, just days after serious accusations, highlights the fluid nature of politics in Kenya.
Observers noted that the timing of the embrace, just days after serious accusations, highlights the fluid nature of politics in Kenya.
Leaders often have to balance personal disagreements, party interests, and the broader need for strategic alliances, especially during election periods.
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