Malala: Our community will form alliance with serious leaders not jokers

From left, Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala and Nominated Senator Naomi Shionga during a youth Sacco funds drive in Kakamega. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Kakamega political leaders have cautioned the community against following confused and selfish leaders to give them direction for the 2022 General election.

The leaders led by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala hit out at local politicians drumming up support for Deputy President Willam Ruto in the region saying they are misleading the community.

“We cannot trust leaders like Boni Khalwale to lead us to a formidable coalition headed to 2022 yet they have created a habit of running to Ruto for financial help and humiliating our community,” said Malala.

They told those seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022 from the community to team up with presidential hopefuls from other communities to increase their chances of forming the next government.

The leaders said the community ought to identify a strong leader from the community that will lead any alliance talks.

Malala, however, warned the community against following selfish and confused leaders, saying any wrong move could land the community in the opposition come 2022.

“We must rally behind one of our own and we have given Musalia Mudavadi one last chance to show us the way forward and chose carefully on whom to work with,” said Malala.

He also cautioned Mudavadi against entering into an alliance with leaders who will jeopardise his chances of clinching the alliance flag.

Mr Malala hinted on a possible coalition with Raila Odinga led ODM party as it was in 2017 General Election.

“We don’t want to be associated with leaders who have a contentious background and as ANC and the community we will make our wise decision even if it means working with Odinga again,” said Malala.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe said the community should be ready to work with others provided the formula will win them the top leadership in the nation.

Among those seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta from the community include, Mudavadi, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Wangwe urged the three to unite and front one of them who will then seek to get the community support.

“We have to show unity and ensure we can front one strong candidate and look for a serious winning formula ahead of 2022,” said Wangwe.

The three have previously stated they will hold talks and decide who will fly the community’s flag and promised to accord the victor their full support.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Philip Kutima who has been advocating for Oparanya’s candidature urged presidential hopefuls from the community to unite and back one of them.

“We know our county boss has done a lot done here and he has the potential to give the nation the best leadership as the president in 2022,” said Kutima.