Senator Cleophas Malala and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were seen embracing during a political event in Busia County, just days after Malala accused the governor of working with the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
A video posted on social media by Governor Natembeya’s media team on November 21, 2025, captured the two leaders sharing a warm embrace, while the crowd in the background applauded the display of unity.
This public reconciliation comes shortly after Malala, during a campaign rally in Kisia East on November 14, 2025, claimed that Governor Natembeya was being used by the NIS to weaken opposition efforts from within. Malala also criticized Natembeya for refusing to vacate the Kisia East ward seat for the Democratic Change Party (DCP) candidate, despite the united opposition agreement.
Malala had noted that the DCP agreed to leave the Malava parliamentary seat for the DAP-K candidate, Seth Panyako, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen opposition influence in western Kenya. The allegations raised eyebrows across the region, given the delicate political negotiations ahead of the November 27 by-elections.
Both leaders are key figures in the western region as they campaign for their respective candidates. The united opposition has intensified its efforts to rally support against the broad-based government in the upcoming by-elections, seeking to consolidate its position in strategic constituencies.
Political analysts suggest that the embrace between Malala and Natembeya could be a strategic move to maintain unity within opposition ranks, especially with crucial by-elections just days away. While the reconciliation has been welcomed by some supporters, others remain cautious, given the recent tension over NIS involvement allegations.
As campaigns heat up across western Kenya, all eyes will be on whether this public display of unity translates into tangible cooperation between the two leaders and strengthens the opposition’s prospects in the November by-elections.
