Opiyo Wandayi criticizes Cleophas Malala after claims on UDA voter listing

UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi has criticized UDA secretary-general Cleophas Malala over a remark that obtaining the party's membership guarantees one to get government services and other opportunities.

Malala made the remarks in Kisumu at the weekend where he rallied residents to turn up in their numbers and join UDA.

"During police or army recruitments, one is usually asked for a Form Four certificate among other requirements and then they are told other things will be an added advantage. From now, one of the things that will be an added advantage is having UDA membership card," Malala said on Saturday.

Wandayi, who is the MP for Ugunja, termed Malala's statement as unfortunate and said UDA officials must understand that their party and the State are different entities.

The minority leader argued that UDA, as a political party, cannot be equated to the state or the government.

"It just happens that for now, they are running government against our wishes off course, and indeed we do not even recognize them," said Wandayi.

Wandayi termed Malala a mouthpiece for senior UDA officials in government who want to use government services as bait to have people join UDA.

"We want to caution them and especially those who sent them. We shall come for them. We shall ignore their mouthpieces and deal with those sent them," he said adding that Malala's pronouncement should be a concern to all Kenyans of goodwill.

During the UDA registration drive, Malala urged residents to register as party members in huge numbers, claiming that this would open doors to various opportunities for them. He said this will also enhance the economic prosperity of the region.