Former Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa is a man who qualifies to be called a friend of the cells.

His recent arrest on allegations of attempting to defraud foreign investors 40 billion shillings in an arms deal is the biggest scam and dent to his political career. 

However, Echesa’s arrest could be a big blow to Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala’s candidature according to political analysts. 

The two former political enemies reconciled late last year publicly in Mumias town and Echesa promised to stand by Cleophas Malala in his 2022 gubernatorial candidature in Kakamega County and in return senator Malala offered to give Rashid Echesa extra evening tuition so as to be able to get a degree by 2022.

The hotly contested Kakamega gubernatorial race comes after the exit of governor Wycliffe Oparanya who also doubles up as the chair of council of governors serving his second term in office.

But could Echesa and Malala’s new found political friendship be a friendship of doom? 

Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi says if Malala is to win the Kakamega gubernatorial race then he has no option other than distancing himself from Rashid Echesa whose political career has been soiled by the sh. 40 billion arms deal scandal in the office of the deputy president.

The Kakamega gubernatorial race has attracted several candidates including former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale and Lugari MP Ayub Savula.