Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has insisted that he is behind ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi’s presidency in the 2022 elections.
This is after the vocal legislator hosted Deputy President William Ruto sparking speculations that the senator could back William Ruto to succeed retiring President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Friday, December 31, Malala hosted presidential hopeful William Ruto at the Mumias Complex Stadium during a football tournament organized by the vocal senator.
But speaking on Tuesday, January 4, Malala distanced himself from William Ruto’s ties insisting he would support the One Kenya Alliance co-principal in the upcoming State House race.
He said he did not invite the deputy president to the finals of his soccer tournament at Mumias Complex.
“We advertised our tournament all over and the DP must have got wind and decided to give us a surprise visit as a neighbor,” he said.
Malala who was speaking at Mukango village in Shinyalu constituency when he graced a get-together party organized by businessman Fred Ikana took a swipe at COTU boss Francis Atwoli for opposing Mudavadi.
He challenged Atwoli of being driven by jealousy and dared him to contest against Mudavadi instead of vouching for other candidates.
“Ask yourselves why all those from our community-fighting Mudavadi, are not vying for any seat in next year’s elections. I thought they would also be seeking elective positions so as to convince us that they were the best alternatives,” said Malala.
“Atwoli is not vying for any political seat and cannot win any, Oparanya is doing his final term while Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa also says he will not be seeking any elective position. So why are they fighting Mudavadi?” he posed.
This comes at a time when the deputy president is seeking to have Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang’ula support his presidential bid.
