Cleophas Malala’s son eyes MP seat in 2027 elections

File image of Leon Major Malala, the son of DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala

Leon Major Malala, the son of Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, has declared his interest in vying for a Member of Parliament seat in the 2027 General Election.

Leon made the announcement on Saturday, April 12, 2026, during the launch of the DCP Youth League Nyeri Chapter, an event attended by his father, who represented party leader Rigathi Gachagua.

While addressing attendees, Leon said his decision to enter politics was not influenced by his family background but by what he described as poor leadership in the country.

“I am not a politician; I do not aspire to be one. I have never dreamt of being a politician, but I am going to vie for an MP seat. It’s not because of my dad but because of the kind of leadership this country has offered,” he said.

He criticised challenges affecting young people, pointing to rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings, and questioned why such incidents persist under the current leadership.

Leon also called on the youth to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future, noting that they have both the numbers and the capacity to drive change.

Using a software analogy, he likened the country to a system that requires constant updates to remain effective, advocating for a leadership overhaul driven by young leaders with fresh ideas.

Leon’s emergence in the public space dates back to April 10, 2025, when his father was arrested over the controversial Echoes of War play.

At the time, he appeared alongside a group of Gen Z protesters, holding placards and demanding his father’s release, marking his first major public appearance.

He later resurfaced during his father’s birthday celebration on June 30, 2025, where he delivered a bold speech echoing his father’s political stance, including claims that the current president would only serve one term.

During the same event, Cleophas Malala argued that individuals above 35 years should not vie for MCA seats, maintaining that such positions should be reserved for young people.