United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has admitted that he was ‘bought’ into the party.
Malala made this admission as a rejoinder to Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi’s disapproval of him leaving his party and becoming “a machinery for hire” instead.
“You have been bought. You are being used to bring down political parties in Western so that you can eat,” said MP Atandi.
In a quick response during an interview with Citizen TV, Malala quickly counteracted the Alego MP saying that even though he was bought, he made “a personal move” on his own initiative.
“You’d rather be bought and have an independent mind than not being bought and you are a slave to somebody. I made a personal move; I am a man of my own and I make my own decision.” He stated.
Furthermore, the UDA SG clarified that he did not abandon the Amani National Congress (ANC) party. He said that he had defected the party membership immediately he lost the Kakamega gubernatorial bid and was “partyless” up until his appointment into UDA.
“I moved immediately after the elections because after I lost the Kakamega seat I knew I would be appointed as a state officer and in anticipation to that, I resigned from ANC,” he said.
“It was inevitable since we won the national government that I was going to be appointed in whatever capacity CS, PS, CAS, Chief, Assistant Chief.” Malala added.
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Moreover, Malala criticized MP Atandi noting that as compared to him who joined the UDA party willingly, Azimio members are Raila Odinga’s “sycophants” and would perversely obey his orders.
“For him, they are used to collective thinking. Raila thinks on behalf of all legislators in Azimio,” Malala claimed.
“If today Raila says we are going to dive into Lake Victoria Atandi will dive there first before asking why.” Malala added.
However, Atandi rebutted Malala’s claims, stressing that Mr. Odinga is a fearless visionary, adding that Kenya has made significant advancements while operating under his leadership.
“We have a leader who is giving us proper leadership and I cannot leave ODM simply because I want to go where there is power and you can see ODM is the most progressive party in this country,” Atandi said.
“With or without parliament we are championing causes for the people, and we are standing on the side of the people and if we leave that role this country will become a banana republic.” He added.