A growing rift within Kenya's opposition threatens success in the upcoming Malava by-election, as Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala urges DAP-K aspirant Seth Panyako to withdraw his candidacy in favor of DCP's Edgar Busiega.

• Malala frames the by-election as a pivotal moment for the opposition to unite against President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
• The Malava seat became vacant after the death of MP Malulu Injendi, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yet to officially declare it open.
• The by-election is seen as a crucial test of popularity for both President Ruto and the opposition ahead of 2027.
• Political analyst Dr. Barrack Muluka criticizes Malala's stance as "dictatorial" in a multi-party democracy.
• DAP-K is reportedly facing significant internal disunity, with calls for the removal of both Party Leader Eugen Wamalwa and Deputy Party Leader John Natembeya.