Where is Cleophas Malala? The silence of expelled UDA Secretary General

For Cleophas Malala, silence was never an option. The former Kakamega Senator and one-time Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was known for his outspoken nature, never shying away from the political arena.

Yet, in recent months, he has maintained an uncharacteristically low profile. With Kenya’s political landscape shifting rapidly, his absence raised questions about his whereabouts.

Malala’s political trajectory changed drastically when he was ousted as UDA’s Secretary General in December 2023, barely a year after his appointment.

His removal marked a significant shift in his fortunes, effectively sidelining him from the center of power. Since then, his political engagements have dwindled, and his once-vibrant social media presence has significantly reduced.

Previously, Malala had aligned himself with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, another leader who has faced political turbulence within the Kenya Kwanza government.

Their bond saw Malala accompany Gachagua to several political events, including hosting him at his home in Kakamega for the Cleo Malala Super Cup finals.

However, even in Gachagua’s ongoing political battles, Malala has remained notably silent.

Malala’s last post on X (formerly Twitter) was on February 14, when he surprised many by expressing support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

“Africa deserves the best, and there is no doubt about Baba's scope, passion, and championship for the African people. His win in Addis imprints his quest for the Pan-African spirit freely flowing in his veins. Raila's win will be good and progressive for Africa. Best of luck, Baba.”

It was a message that caught many off guard, considering Malala’s past political stance. But even with his well-wishes, Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship ultimately fell through.

As the conversation around Luhya unity continues to gain momentum, Malala’s absence from major political gatherings has been glaring.

During the burial of Malava MP Malulu Injendi, a key political figure in Western Kenya, Malala was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he posted a tribute on Facebook, describing Injendi as a "friend and political father figure to many in Kakamega County."

At another high-profile event, the burial of former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati’s father, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya used the platform to trade political jabs with President William Ruto. Once again, Malala was missing from the scene.

His last major public appearance came during the launch of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) offices, where he criticised Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for dissolving his ANC party to join UDA.

“Tumeona ndugu yetu Musalia Mudavadi aliunda kiosk yake akafanya biashara na Waluhya, akamaliza, akafunga akaenda kupeleka stock yake kwa wholesale ambayo inaanguka.” (We have seen our brother Musalia Mudavadi set up a kiosk, conduct business with the Luhya people, and when he was done, he shut it down and took his stock to a collapsing wholesale.)

Despite his reduced political activity, Malala has not completely faded from public engagements.

Recently, he donated Sh1 million to Butere Girls High School, a place where he had previously trained students for drama festivals.

While this move echoed his earlier years in the arts, it also hinted at a leader searching for relevance in a shifting political landscape.

From a drama festival trainer to an MCA, Deputy Speaker, Senator, and Secretary General of UDA, Malala’s journey has been nothing short of eventful. But as his political silence grows louder, questions still linger, where did the rain start beating him?

In the Gospel of Mark 4:38, during a raging storm, Jesus’ disciples asked him: "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" Similarly, as the tides of Kenyan politics continue to shift, many are left wondering: Where is Cleophas Malala?