Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, embraced Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya in a public show of unity. This came just days after Malala accused Natembeya of working with the National Intelligence Service. The gesture occurred amid campaigns for upcoming by-elections.
On November 21, 2025, a video shared on social media by Governor George Natembeya's team captured Cleophas Malala hugging the governor as onlookers clapped in the background. This moment of reconciliation followed tense exchanges in the opposition ranks.
Just a week earlier, on November 14, Malala had spoken at a rally in Kisia East, where he alleged that Natembeya was collaborating with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to undermine the opposition from inside. He specifically criticized Natembeya for refusing to vacate the Kisia East ward seat in favor of the DCP candidate, despite what Malala described as a united opposition agreement. In return, Malala noted that the DCP had stepped aside from the Malava parliamentary seat to support Seth Panyako of the DAP-K.
The embrace signals a possible mending of ties within the united opposition coalition, which has ramped up efforts against the broad-based government ahead of the November 27 by-elections. Senior leaders from the coalition are actively campaigning in Kenya's western region to bolster their candidates. While the video does not include statements from the leaders, it highlights the fluid dynamics in Kenyan politics, where public spats can quickly give way to displays of solidarity.
This event underscores ongoing rivalries and alliances in the lead-up to the polls, with no further details on whether the accusations have been formally addressed.