Cleophas Malala Tones Down on Push to have new 6 parties Ford Kenya, ANC Folded
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala on Tuesday, March 14 confirmed that six parties had agreed to join forces with UDA and support President William Ruto’s agenda for one ruling party
The parties that have agreed to dissolve and merge with UDA include Umoja na Maendeleo Party, led by Governor Martin Wambora, the Farmers Party of Kenya, led by Irungu Nyakera, the Economic Freedom Party, led by Hon. Isaac Hassan Abey, Chama cha Mashinani, led by Chairman Hon. Mohamed Gulei, the National Agenda Party, led by Hon. Alfayo Agufana, and the Secretary General of Chama cha Kazi Party, Hon. James Kimani.
Some of the high-profile politicians who are associated with the parties include Moses Kuria (Chama cha Kazi), Isaac Ruto (Chama cha Mashinani).
Malala expressed his delight at the decision of the parties to join forces with UDA, stating that the move was a clear indication of the growing support for President Ruto’s manifesto among Kenyans.
Malala’s sentiments come a week after he specifically warned Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to fold their parties and join UDA or risk losing their plum positions in government
Malala emphasized that the parties had pledged their unconditional support to the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s efforts to unite all Kenyans and ensure political stability in the country.
“The leaders and representatives of these parties have unconditionally agreed to provide political tranquillity in Kenya and support the Kenya Kwanza Administration in bringing all Kenyans together so that President William Ruto’s manifesto to Kenyans can be achieved,” he said.
The move is expected to give UDA a significant boost ahead of the next general elections, with the party now able to count on the support of six other parties in its bid to retain power.
The defections come at a time when Azimio leader Raila Odinga is firing up his bases in readiness for mass action in Nairobi on March 20.
Raila was in Migori County on Friday before heading to Narok on Saturday, where he said he would unveil a list of companies to be boycotted.
Raila on Thursday last week declared the start of mass action against the Kenya Kwanza government, which he termed “illegitimate”.
“Take note that on March 20, 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi. On that day our supporters throughout the country shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for a legitimate and inclusive government. Save the date,” Raila said.
“There are some companies that are being used badly. I will soon tell you to leave the services from that company and products. All that is coming,” he said.
The opposition demos are slowly picking pace ahead of the March 20 climax. Azimio supporters in various counties have taken to the streets to protest the high cost of living.
However, some parties within the Kenya Kwanza coalition such as ANC and Ford Kenya are against the move to collapse members parties into one super political outfits.
Malala has been leading the efforts to merge the Kenya Kwanza coalition affiliate parties under the UDA umbrella, aiming to create a single, stronger political entity.
He explained that it would be more practical to merge parties with fewer elected members, as having parties with only a handful of elected members does not make economic sense.
UDA’s new dawn Already, Ruto received a major boost after six political parties officially joined the ruling party, UDA. Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/politics/498164-cleophas-malala-tones-push-ford-kenya-anc-folded-tutazidi-kufanya-kazi-nao/
On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Malala officially received officials of the six parties. Those that have folded include Chama Cha Kazi (CCK), associated with Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and Chama Cha Mashinani, whose party leader is former Bomet governor
