UDA embarks on mass recruitment of new members in Raila’s backyard

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has embarked on mass recruitment of members in Nyanza amid divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

The party wants to take advantage of the recent tiffs and open divisions among some members of ODM who are working closely with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Not so long ago, a group of ODM MPs visited President William Ruto in State House. The MPs, who were vilified by other party members, claimed their discussion with the Head of State centered on development.

The legislators were Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Senator, Paul Abuor Mp for Rongo, Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo(Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South).

They have since been given show cause letters signed by the party's chairman John Mbadi and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.

But the renegade ODM MPs have vowed to carry on championing the wishes of the electorates and to work closely with the government.

Malala's Nyanza visit

On Saturday, the newly appointed UDA secretary General Cleophas Malala in an apparent attempt to test political waters visited Kisumu to open several UDA party offices.

In what was seen as an open move to test whether ODM supporters and the people of Nyanza would still rebel against the ruling party course, Malala was warmly received Unlike in the past, when any party which champions any ideals or philosophy contrary to that of the dominant party, would be chased away in the region.

Former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa who led the Nyanza leaders to join Malala in opening the offices was happy for the demonstrated political civility in Luo land.

"We are happy that our people are now able to embrace political pluralism. The offices were opened without any ugly incident realized in the process," Outa stated.

Others in his entourage included former MPs Martin Ogindo(Rangwe), former LBDA chairman Odoyo Owidi and former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma among others.

The team opened up two Kisumu City coordinating offices with one at Kiboswa on the way to Kakamega Busia road, and a main office at the Posh Mlimani estate.

Outa's team, alongside the renegade ODM MPs, are working closely to champion and popularise the President's development agenda for the Nyanza people.

Ojienda is on record with Nyamita saying that if the cooperation between them and the state is aimed at the highest good, then so be it. Ojienda has roped 11 MCAs in Kisumu to work with him to popularize Rutos development projects, despite warning from ODM.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga in a recent interview said he is not against their actions, but warned against the state machinery using them to muzzle the opposition.

Ojienda on his part, claims that they will only support the government and point out its mistake where wrong to promote a liberalized and democratic freedom.

Speaking in Kisumu at the weekend, Malala who is a former Raila ally turned critic was amazed at the support they were accorded in Kisumu, otherwise tough opposition turf.

Although not many people turned out for the listing on the first day, the UDA officials hoped that with the offices opened in their locality many would turn up.

The registration process runs from today until June. Malala urged as many as possible voters in Nyanza to register in en masse and to realign themselves with the ruling party.

This is the first time that UDA is embarking on such a big political exercise in Nyanza coming just a week after Malala was appointed to hold the ruling party outfit.

"My focus will be more on areas where UDA or the Kenya Kwanza government did not get many votes in the last general elections, Nyanza topping the list,'' Malala said.

ODM, well aware of the political schemes by the UDA leadership to win the souls of their ardent supporters have also hinted at embarking on mass voter listing.

The Party's chair Mbadi said they will soon start countrywide mass voter listing to countercheck possible rebellion from its members.

"We will soon start recruitment and will give no room to our competitors,'' Mbadi, whom Raila has said will act till new ODM leadership is put in place said.

Mbadi has been facing opposition as the chairman with a group of young MPs in the party led by Embakasi MP Babu Owino expressing that he should quit as the chair.

The ODM chair has been contemplating doing so amid open divisions from a section of the orange party leadership who want a change of guard in running the party affairs.

ODM, an affiliate of the Azimio Coalition, wants to strengthen its grassroots support to remain active in the political ring as a new dispensation takes shape.

The CS without portfolio and otherwise assumed as the Cabinet Secretary for Political Affairs, hinted at dissolving all fringe parties affiliated with Kenya Kwanza.

He claimed that there was no need of having so many parties proclaiming the same faith and ideals running parallel parties.

"We want them to merge and be stronger,'' he said.

Whether his political proposition would succeed or not or merely raffle feathers is a cause for concern. Malala is from the Amani National Congress Party headed by Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi.

A section of the Luhya Community used the party as the springboard to Parliament and as a bargaining chip for seats in the government.

So far some of the top leadership of these parties remained tight-lipped on Malala's statement on dissolution.

Ford Kenya is a beneficiary of the National Assembly Speakers post held by its boss Moses Wetangula courtesy of the political partnership in trade.

Malala launched the party's charm offensive in Kisumu as part of the party's efforts to boost its nationwide popularity.

More opportunities

He implored the residents to register with the party in big numbers, arguing that it would open doors for opportunities and economic prosperity in the region.

According to him, registering as a UDA member would enhance chances of landing plum opportunities in government including recruitment in the disciplined forces.

He also claimed that the region had been sidelined in development projects for many years because of assumed association with the opposition.

"I am here to liberate you from the challenges facing you. Since independence, you have been in opposition for years. It's time to change tact and act," Malala said.

The former Kakamega senator claimed that those with UDA registration cards will have an added advantage to join KDF, Prisons and the Kenya Forest Service among other state jobs.

He conveyed President William Ruto's regards to Kisumu residents and his plea urging the region to support the Kenya Kwanza administration without blinking an eye.

The UDA Secretary-General downplayed threats from the Azimio Coalition leaders in pressuring the government to open the servers used by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the last general election.

While defending that Ruto's election was legit Malala dismissed claims of illegitimacy prompted by the Azimio Coalition as null and void.

He vowed to Paint Kisumu Yellow and strengthen UDA Party's foothold in the county.