Speaking to press.co.ke, Atwoli dismissed remarks made by DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala and allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying the narrative was created purposely to undermine his influence in Western Kenya.
Atwoli clarified that while the by-election took place in Khwisero Constituency, he is not from the ward where the contest was held.
He explained that his home area is Khwisero Central Ward, which is represented by a KANU MCA, not a DCP leader as Malala had claimed.
He described the suggestion that he had been defeated on his own turf as “a careless and misleading political statement,” insisting that those spreading the story intentionally twisted facts to create a false picture of his political strength.
Malala had earlier celebrated DCP’s victory in the Kisa East Ward by-election, claiming that the seat fell within Atwoli’s home zone.
He even declared publicly that Atwoli would now be represented by a DCP MCA. But Atwoli dismissed this as a political stunt, saying he had no involvement in the MCA campaigns and would never lower himself to that level of local politics.
According to Atwoli, his only participation during the by-elections was in Malava, after which he travelled to Europe.
He said that attempts to link him to the Kisa East loss were “deliberate political mischief meant to create the impression that his influence is slipping.”
Atwoli warned that the comments by Malala and Gachagua were signs of political provocation, adding that he is ready to respond fully in the 2027 General Election.
He vowed to actively shape the political direction of Western Kenya in the coming years and prevent his opponents from gaining ground.
“I have the networks and the capacity to stop Malala from rising in Kakamega and to stop Gachagua from gaining national influence. Those trying to write my political obituary will be surprised in 2027,” he said.
Atwoli insisted that the true measure of political strength will not be decided by ward-level by-elections but during national campaigns, promising a tough contest ahead.
This article by press.co.ke is based on independent information gathered by our reporters. Several mainstream outlets later carried similar narratives, appearing to echo insights initially highlighted in our earlier reports.
