You are welcome to UDA, Malala tells Governor Barasa

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala made his submissions before the National Dialogue Committee on October 3, 2023. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has told Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa to quit ODM and join President William Ruto's ruling party.

Malala said the governor spends a lot of time with the President than his party boss Raila Odinga, which was an indication that he was more comfortable with UDA leadership.

He challenged Barasa to come out publicly and announce to the Mulembe nation that he was backing the Kenya Kwanza regime.

"You (Barasa) frequent the State House at night and talk with President William Ruto at length but tell a different story during the day. I welcome you to UDA so that we square out with you in the nominations come 2027," said Malala during the funeral of the mother of Director of Public Prosecution Renson Ingonga in Makunga, Mumias East area on Saturday.

"When you hear our beloved governor say that come what may Kakamega county will be in the 2027 government all he means is that he will be in UDA by then just that he is shy to proclaim it openly as it should. Let him join us as early as now," the UDA secretary general added.

In a rejoinder, Barasa said the Constitution provides for collaboration between governors and the president.

The governor maintained that he would continue working with President Ruto for the sake of development in Kakamega county.

"All the governors are meeting the President, and it's not unique for me to meet him as the Constitution supports it. It's all about bringing goodies to my people," he said.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja concurred with Barasa saying the president was a liberal leader.

"I would not only encourage him to work with the national government but also ask the entire of Mulembe leaders including (Moses) Wetang'ula and (Musalia) Mudavadi to continue working with the President for he has promised us big things after he gets out if power in 2032," said Sakaja.

Bii said UDA would be the party to beat come the 2027 General Election and challenged Barasa to join President Ruto's camp.

Cotu boss Francis Atwoli told Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda to stop "troubling" Barasa and give him time to deliver to the people.

"You are a sister to Barasa, give him time to work," he said.