DCP Party Targets All By-Elections, Aims to Break Regional Political Strongholds
Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), Cleophas Malala, has announced the party’s aggressive entry into Kenya’s political arena, vowing to field candidates in all upcoming by-elections across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Malala confirmed that the DCP, launched just two months ago, has registered over 1.8 million members nationwide and is rapidly positioning itself as a national political force.
“We are proud of the trajectory the DCP has taken since its unveiling. In just two months, we’ve attracted over 1.8 million Kenyans to our movement,” said Malala, adding that the party is ready to contest in the 22 Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-elections and six parliamentary races expected following the swearing-in of the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team.
Malala emphasized that the DCP is not a regional outfit as previously speculated. “We want to assure Kenyans that this is a national party. We are fielding candidates even in traditionally strong regions of other parties,” he said, citing the upcoming parliamentary by-elections in Homa Bay and Mandera counties.
During the press conference, the DCP unveiled two of its candidates: Aden Mohamed for Banisa Constituency in Mandera County, and Wakili Edgar Busiega for Malava Constituency in Kakamega County. Malala praised both as symbols of youthful leadership and the new political vision the DCP is offering.
Aden Mohamed, a former ODM candidate who came second in the 2022 elections, pledged to deliver victory for the DCP in Banisa. “After consultations with my supporters, we agreed that DCP reflects our values. I represent the people, not projects,” he said, referring to rival parties he accused of imposing candidates.
Busiega, the DCP candidate for Malava, echoed a commitment to grassroots leadership. “I was raised in the village, and I believe in leadership that listens. DCP is a party of the people,” he said.
Malala urged the IEBC to expedite preparations for the by-elections and called for strict enforcement of the electoral code of conduct. He accused some government-affiliated politicians of plotting to subvert future elections, including the 2027 General Election, warning that the DCP would file petitions against those making such claims.
“We are seeing dangerous rhetoric from some quarters suggesting plans to rig future elections. IEBC must act decisively and enforce the law,” Malala insisted.
He also hinted at a potential wave of defections from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), predicting that discontented leaders allied with UDA may resign and join DCP, triggering more by-elections.
“Some leaders are ready to resign and recontest under our party to show their loyalty to the people and discontent with the current regime,” he added.
Malala maintained that DCP is confident of sweeping the Mount Kenya region and other key battlegrounds. “Even if the government contests a girlfriend with us, they won’t win,” he quipped, underscoring the party’s confidence.
The DCP stated that it would adopt both scientific research and nominations to select candidates depending on the context of each by-election. While in talks with coalition partners in areas like Mbeere North, the party said it remains committed to grassroots-driven decision-making.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the by-elections, DCP’s bold announcements signal a growing opposition force aiming to disrupt the political status quo in Kenya.
