Malala drums up support for One Kenya Alliance

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala addresses the media after attending church at The Salvation Army, Majengo in Mombasa. He urged Mombasa residents to support One Kenya Alliance. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has called on Kenyans to support One Kenya Alliance as the only political outfit with leaders who can unite the country.

He said Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula will unite the country and end divisions.

Malala, however, admitted ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto were popular but said the two will divide the country because of their hardline approach to politics.

“I am not disputing Raila and Ruto are popular, but these leaders will divide the country,” said Malala.

While speaking at the Salvation Army Church Majengo in Mombasa yesterday, Malala asked Coast leaders to move with speed and form their own political vehicle. 

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has been spearheading efforts to form a coalition of political parties in the region. They are Kadu Asili, Shirikisho Party of Kenya, Umoja Summit Party of Kenya and Republican Congress Party of Kenya.

On his stand on Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Malala (pictured) said he did not support Parliament being mandated to create 70 constituencies.

“I support the stand the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has taken on the creation of 70 constituencies because it is the only body with the constitutional mandate to create constituencies,” said Malala.

The vocal senator, who was last week ousted by ODM senators as deputy minority leader and replaced with Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, said he does not regret the decision, but wondered why ODM settled on a retired judge.

“I thought ODM was empowering the youth to lead in the country but I was surprised. I was removed and replaced with a retired judge,” said Malala.