United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has told President William Ruto the reason behind the dominance of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in the Western region.
Malala said the region has supported Azimio leader Raila Odinga for the last twenty years since his past competitors did not make efforts to visit the Western Counties.
He claimed that late President Mwai Kibaki visited Kakamega twice during his tenure while his successor Uhuru Kenyatta travelled to the county only once throughout his term.
“For the last 20 years, these people have been voting for the other side (Azimio) because of one reason, when Kibaki was president, he visited Kakamega only twice. When Uhuru was the president, he came to Kakamega once during Mashujaa Day Celebrations,” said Malala.
However, Malala explained that this voting pattern will change since Ruto has made efforts to visit the region.
“It is barely two years since you became the president and you have visited this county almost ten times. So, when we weigh with the others, we will change on this issue,” he said.
The SG also pointed out that the Mulembe nation supported Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 general elections.
Ruto Honors Promise
He thanked the president for honoring his campaign promise of giving the Western region 30 percent of his government.
“I am grateful because you didn’t change your mind after winning the presidency, you are still the Ruto we knew before,” explained Malala.
Malala said Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Moses Wetangula are revelations that Ruto is supporting the Western region.
“These people gave you 30 percent of the votes because you promised them 30 percent of the government, if you add it next time, they will add you more votes,” stated Malala.
Also Read: Ekuru Aukot Predicts When Kenya’s Economic Crisis Will Worsen
Malala Praises ODM Elected Leaders
Besides, he praised ODM leaders from the region including Governor Fernandes Barasa for agreeing to work with the government.
“I also want to thank the MPs from Kakamega County including Governor Barasa because you have shown leadership because even though they belong to the opposition, they follow places where there are developments,” he said.
He encouraged the president to continue fighting corruption in all the three arms of government.
Also Read: Sakaja’s Allies Blast Malala After UDA Coup
Malala emphasized that those found guilty of looting public resources should face the wrath of the law.
The UDA SG was speaking at Interdenominational Church Service at Approved School Grounds in Kakamega on Sunday, January 4, 2024.
President Ruto, PCS Mudavadi, Speaker Wetangula and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah were among the leaders present.
