Former UDA party Secretary General Cleophas Malala has suggested that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula could soon be on his way out of office. Cleophas Malala hints at Moses Wetang’ula could possibly be removed as Speaker. Speaking at the memorial service of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi, Malala claimed that Wetang’ula is being pressured and is uncertain about his future. “You see, even Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is seated here, but he is not sure whether he is still the Speaker. He is being intimidated every time,” Malala remarked.
Raila’s entry into government raises concerns in Western Malala also cautioned President William Ruto against interfering with key positions held by the Luhya community in the Kenya Kwanza administration. He alleged that with reports of Raila Odinga formally joining Ruto’s government, the prime cabinet secretary position, currently held by Musalia Mudavadi, might be at risk. “Even next week, I hear Raila Odinga is joining Ruto’s government, and he wants the seat of Prime Minister, which belongs to Musalia Mudavadi. We must tell you, Mr. President, do not touch the seats of our people. We must protect our community and respect the Luhya nation,” he said. Has Ruto marginalised Western Kenya in development? Malala criticised the removal of Amakowa Anangwe as chairman of the University of Nairobi council, calling it part of a broader scheme against the Western region.
He also faulted Ruto for neglecting Western Kenya in favor of Nyanza during his development tours, despite the former giving him more votes in the last elections. “In terms of development, I would like to ask the president to differentiate between Western and Nyanza regions. We are the ones who voted, but when it comes to development, all projects go to them while we receive nothing,” Malala lamented. Cleophas Malala has urged President William Ruto to prioritise development projects in Western Kenya. He further accused Raila and the Azimio Coalition of deceiving former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya by promising him the Treasury Cabinet Secretary position, only to exclude him once inside the government. “When they got the opportunity, they gave the Treasury CS position to their own and handed Oparanya something as insignificant as the Hustler Fund. And you know, with Hustler Fund, you just dial codes and get money directly—Oparanya is not involved anywhere in between,” Malala complained.
Malala urged the Mulembe nation to unite and protect their political interests. He also called on Ruto, who is today expected to attend Malulu Injendi’s burial, to prioritize Western Kenya in development and increase financial incentives for sugar farmers in Injendi’s locality Kabras. “We saw in Mumias when you came, president—you gave out bonuses to sugarcane farmers there. In respect of the people of Kabras, who are the largest sugarcane growers in Western Kenya, if you gave out KSh 150 million in Mumias, we want you to give out KSh 300 million in Kabras because we have two sugar factories here,” Malala stated.
Malala praises Injendi’s political independence In a veiled critique of Luhya leaders in Ruto’s government, Malala praised the late Malulu Injendi as a principled politician who stood firm on his beliefs. He praised the fallen lawmaker for being a decisive leader who always went against the grain. “In 2013, when all leaders in Kakamega aligned with Raila Odinga’s CORD coalition, Injendi ran on his own and won. In 2017, when most vied under NASA, he stood with Jubilee. In 2022, when others switched sides, only Injendi remained steadfast. Malulu Injendi was a true leader,” Malala said.
by Harry Ivan Mboto
