Election Losers are the Deep State – Malala Says

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has said that he is part of the “deep state” despite his defeat in the August elections.

Malala lost to Fernandes Barasa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the Kakamega gubernatorial race.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service at the Kabarnet ASK Showground in Baringo, the former legislator said those who supported President William Ruto are close to power.

Malala who has kept mum since his loss affirmed that Luhya leaders are firmly in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance after delivering at least one million votes for the head of state.

Read: Drama at Malala’s Kakamega Home as DCI Officers Seek to Arrest Him

“To those who supported William Ruto, I want to assure you that we as leaders from the Western region are fully in government and at the centre of power. Elected leaders from this region like Kipchumba Murkomen, Aaron Cheruiyot are the State, but for us who lost the election are the deep state,” he said amid cheers.

“So those who have raised their concerns about hunger and security, we as the deep state will have a sit down with the president and solve that issue,” he added.

Malala who sought to succeed Wycliffe Oparanya on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket garnered 159,508 while Barasa got 192,929 votes.

In his concession speech, the former Ward Representative said his opponent’s win was “deserved and undisputable”.

Read Also: Barasa of ODM Beats Malala To Win Kakamega Governor Seat

“I congratulate governor elect, Hon.Fernandes Barasa and his team for their win. It is deserved and undisputable. I also laud IEBC for conducting free, fair, credible and verifiable elections,” he tweeted.

“Today, alongside my Deputy, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Hon. Benjamin Washiali and my wife, Mrs. Carolyne Malalah, we wish to thank the residents of Kakamega county for believing in our leadership and voting resoundingly for brand Cleo Malalah.”

Malala was said to have played a pivotal role in the bringing together of President Ruto and his former party leader, Musalia Mudavadi.

The alliance between Ruto, Mudavadi and former Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula led to the rise of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Mudavadi has since been appointed the Prime Cabinet Secretary while Wetangula bagged the National Assembly speakership.