United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has dismissed the ambitions of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of becoming Kenya’s president.
Speaking in Kakamega County, on Friday, September 1, Malala said the parties from the region are ethnic-based and cannot form the government.
“I don’t want to mention names but there is a party from this region where the party leader, Secretary General and the Woman leader are all from the same clan.
Why would such people lie to themselves that they can become president,” said Malala.
Malala made the remarks while receiving defectors from Vihiga County to the UDA party.
The defectors were led by Sabatia MP Clement Sloya and CAS nominee Jackline Mwenesi among other leaders from Vihiga County.
Others included Ken Vitisia, Amara Elisha, Masini Wycliffe and Obedi Chunguli from Vihiga Constituency.
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Malala also received Nickson Butiya, Dauglus Beru, Khalid Balala, Gladys Analo, Ollinga Jairus, Butiko Kennedy and Alukhutsa Peter
Additionally, the defections to the UDA Party came at a time when the party is increasing its foothold in the vote-rich region.
Mudavadi ANC fights village party tag
Amani National Congress (ANC) appointed Lamu Governor Issa Timamy as party leader.
This is after Musalia Mudavadi quit following his appointment to the Prime Cabinet Secretary post.
Emuhaya Member of Parliament Omboko Milemba is the party’s Secretary General while Beatrice Adagala is the second deputy party leader. The two leaders are from Vihiga – Mudavadi’s backyard.
Malala’s sentiments came after President William Ruto camped in Western Kenya for five days launching development projects and campaigning for his 2027 re-election bid.
In Vihiga, Ruto launched the Emuhaya Sub-County Hospital Ward Unit, which has a capacity of 90 beds.
Additionally, President Ruto unveiled the Vihiga County Referral Hospital CT Scan Centre.
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Ruto’s push for all Kenya Kwanza parties to dissolve
Earlier this year, Malala had asked politicians holding senior government positions in the Kenya Kwanza government to dissolve their parties and join UDA.
Speaking in Kisumu County, Malala told the leaders to choose between being part of the government and clinging to party leadership.
“You have no business being a Cabinet Secretary if you are still holding onto your party,” said Malala.
In March 2023, six political parties within Kenya Kwanza dissolved to join UDA.
The parties included Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Isaac Ruto’s Chama Cha Mashinani, and the Farmers Party of Irungu Nyakera.
Other politicians who agreed to fold up their parties and join UDA were; Embu Governor Martin Wambora of Umoja na Maendeleo party, Alfayo Agufana (National Agenda Party of Kenya) and Issack Hassan Abey (Economic Freedom Party).