UDA storms Kisumu as leaders insist there will be no handshake

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala adresses party members in Kisumu during the launch of membership recruitment drive on March 4, 2023. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders led by Secretary General Cleophas Malala have asked ODM leader Raila Odinga not to expect a handshake between him and President William Ruto.

Speaking in Kisumu during a UDA membership recruitment drive on Saturday, Malala said they are aware of a scheme by the ODM leader to force a handshake between himself and Ruto through his (Raila's) threats to lead a mass action against the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"This mass action that Raila is talking about, that we have five days left then he will lead a demonstration against the government, is a scheme to get a handshake," Malala said.

Malala's sentiments were echoed by the former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma who said there's no need for Ruto to engage the AzImio leader since Ruto has done a handshake with the people of Nyanza.

The event which was meant to popularise UDA in Nyanza region began by visits to various UDA offices in Kisumu county in Kiboswa and Kisumu town before holding a Town Hall meeting at Ahero Multipurpose Hall in Nyando Constituency.

The Malala-led team called on Nyanza leaders to come out in large numbers and register as members of the UDA party ahead of the party's grassroots elections scheduled for August this year.

He also stated that through their registration as UDA members, Nyanza residents will secure their stake in the UDA government and will be able to reap benefits such as employment and development.

Keep Reading

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

Leaders who attended the event including former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa expressed optimism that President Ruto will complete the ongoing projects in Nyanza.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei who also spoke at the event urged Kenyans to remain patient over the raging high cost of living saying the government is already making effort to address it.