Inside Politics

Vocal ANC Senator Cleophas Malala attends Ruto’s Eldoret rally, says he’s laying ground for partnerships on behalf of Mudavadi

Saturday, January 8th, 2022 15:41 | By
Deputy President William Ruto and Senator Cleophas Malalah during a past football tournament at Mumias Sports Complex, Kakamega County. Photo/DPPS

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, in an unprecedented move, graced Ruto's UDA rally that was held at the Eldoret Sports Club, Uasin Gishu County.

Malala, who was dressed in ANC party colours, made a grand entry at the fully-packed sports ground in what seems to be a political signal as the Uhuru succession politics continues to gain momentum.

Speaking at the event, Cleophas Malala stated that he attended the rally following Musalia Mudavadi's assurance that the ANC party embraces the freedom of association as anchored in the Kenyan Constitution.

"My party leader Musalia Mudavadi said that we must uphold the Constitution of Kenya, especially the aspect of freedom of association. Therefore, nobody should block us from courting new political allies. I am here courtesy of the sentiments of my party leader Musalia Mudavadi," he said.

The Kakamega politico further added that after the unveiling of Mudavadi as the ANC party flagbearer during the party's upcoming National Delegates Conference, the former Deputy Prime Minister will be granted the liberty to seek for political partnerships beyond the One Kenya Alliance coalition.

"ANC party might be part of OKA, but we must court political allies beyond One Kenya Alliance. So will it be wrong if Mudavadi comes to the Rift Valley to seek political allies and by good luck or bad luck gets into an agreement with Ruto?" he quipped amid cheers from the crowd.

Through a statement posted on its social media accounts, the ANC party has distanced itself from Malala's sentiments, stating that it had not dispatched any of its members to represent the party at the Eldoret rally.

The party further clarified that official party positions are only communicated by the party leader or the secretary-general.

"The ANC party would like to disassociate itself with the activities taking place at Eldoret Sports Club Grounds where UDA Party is holding its rally. ANC has not sent anybody to represent either the party or the Party Leader in the said function," the statement read.

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