Monday not a public holiday, Cleophas Malala answers Raila Odinga

Secretary-General of UDA Party Cleophas Malala. [File, Standard]

Cleophas Malala, the Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, has told off Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga over Monday "public holiday" remarks.

Odinga plans to hold protests in the capital, Nairobi, to push the government to reduce the cost of living and embrace an inclusive process in selecting IEBC commissioners who will replace the seven who have since vacated office though resignation, end of term or removal by tribunal.

Speaking in Siaya County on Tuesday, March 14, Odinga asked his supporters not to open their businesses on Monday, March 20 as it would be a "public holiday".

The secretary-general of the ruling party UDA, has now told off the former prime minister over his remarks.

"Monday, March 20 will be a normal working day. There won't be any holiday, whatsoever," Malala said during a press conference in Nairobi.

The former Kakamega Senator challenged Odinga to bring to the demonstrations members of his family to prove how "serious" he is with his quest.

Under the Kenyan law, it's only the Interior Cabinet Secretary that can communicate a public holiday through a Gazette Notice.

During the Wednesday press briefing, Malala also addressed claims of highhandedness in UDA following his recent remarks that affiliate parties in Kenya Kwanza should fold and join the ruling party.

"We are not necessarily interested in parties folding up. We only want their members to join UDA. If you don't want to fold your party, it is fine. However, we, as UDA, will still seek to bring on board your members," he said.

Former KANU Secretary-General Nick Salat was unveiled as a member of UDA during the press conference.

In his speech, Salat urged Odinga to rescind his decision of holding demonstrations on March 20, saying "not all grievances can be addressed through protests".