The political revolving door that is Cleophas Malala is set to spin once again. Kacheliba MP Titus Lotee has publicly claimed that the former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General is "packing his bags," citing a pattern of behavior that mirrors his previous high-profile defections.

Lotee, a keen observer of the shifting political sands, noted that Malala’s recent "strategic silence" and absence from key party functions are not coincidental. "We have seen this movie before," Lotee told reporters. "When Malala goes quiet, he is not resting; he is negotiating. He is showing the same signs he showed when he left ANC for UDA. The script is the same, only the cast has changed."

The "Sick" Leave Theory

Malala has officially been off the radar due to an undisclosed illness following the Malala Super Cup in Kakamega. However, insiders suggest this "sick leave" is a convenient cover for high-stakes political brokering. Rumors are rife that he is dissatisfied with his current standing in the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), where he serves as Deputy Party Leader under Rigathi Gachagua.

• The U-Turn: Sources indicate a shock return to UDA could be on the cards, or a pivot to a new "Mulembe" coalition.
• The Trust Deficit: Lotee’s warning implies that Malala is a flight risk for any party that hosts him. "He is a political tenant, not a landlord," one analyst remarked.

A Career of Calculation

Malala’s career has been defined by bold, often abrasive moves. From being the face of UDA’s aggressive recruitment to being unceremoniously ousted, he has proven to be a survivor. But as Lotee warns, a rolling stone gathers no moss—and perhaps, no trust. If he defects again, he risks being branded a permanent mercenary in a game that rewards consistency.