Azimio protests not genuine, says Cleophas Malala

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala claims that Azimio leaders' mass protests against the government are motivated by personal interests.

Speaking during an interview with Vybez Radio on Tuesday, March 21, Malala accused Raila Odinga of advancing his political interests at the expense of Kenyans struggling to put food on the table.

"I want to urge the ODM leader Raila to stop the protests and instead focus on nation-building. Let Odinga not tell Kenyans that he is demonstrating to protect Kenyans' interests... it is all about him gaining power," Malala claimed.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who appeared on the same platform alongside Malala, justified the Azimio mass action yesterday, saying the end goal is to force President William Ruto to resign. He added that Ruto has failed to bring down the cost of living.

Malala's statement comes a day after Azimio la Umoja- One-Kenya leaders led supporters in a countrywide protest against the high cost of living, tribalism in state appointments, biased IEBC officials' recruitment process, and disputes in the 2022 poll results.

The protests that were marred by cases of theft and destruction of property also led to the loss of lives.

Odinga has since vowed to continue leading weekly protests until the government responds to his demands.

"Our people are suffering from the high cost of food, electricity fuel, and others. He [President Ruto] has removed subsidies put in place to cushion the people of Kenya. He is the most tribal president Kenya has ever had and you can see that from his appointments which are divisive," Odinga claimed.

"IEBC is the referee and all parties must be involved in recruiting commissioners. The president has proceeded to do it as UDA only. This is their plan to steal the 2027 elections. We will also march to protest the 2022 election results," he added.