Cleophas Malala sympathizes with Raila, says it is painful to lose an election

Cleophas Malala, the outgoing senator from Kakamega, has discussed his recent political loss experience.

Malala, who campaigned to succeed Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as the head of Kakamega county, was defeated by ODM’s Fernandez Barasa, who received 192,929 votes, in the election that took place on Monday, August 29.

After receiving 159,508 votes, the retiring senator came in first place.

Speaking to the media at Kakamgea’s Golf Hotel after admitting loss to Barasa, Malala acknowledged that losing to an opponent, particularly by such a little margin, is difficult.

He took motivation from Raila Odinga, the presidential candidate for Azimio La Umoja, whom he described as a strong man for having endured defeat in prior elections.

“We lost with about 29,000 votes. It’s painful and if this kind of pain is what Raila Odinga has been going through all the times he’s lost elections, then he is a strong man,” said an upbeat Malala.

The newcomer to the upper chamber thanked his opponent at the same moment and wished him luck as he succeeds Oparanya, who has led the county for two ten-year mandates.

In order to fulfill the promises made to Kakamega citizens during the campaign, he volunteered to work with the incoming administration.

In addition, Malala praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for holding what he described as a free, transparent, and verifiable election.

“I congratulate governor-elect, Fernandes Barasa and his team for their win. It is deserved and indisputable. I am ready to offer any part of my manifesto that they may find suitable in their new government for the progress of Kakamega.

“I also laud IEBC for conducting free, fair, credible and verifiable elections. Not all losses are losses, some are lessons,” said Malala.