"No difference between Raila, Ranguma and Kidero, both lost elections" - Malala

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has launched a scathing attack against Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leaders and supporters who are downplaying decision by some Luo-Nyanza politicians to join the ruling party.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party received a shot in the arm in its bid to woo the region after several politicians, including former governors and MPs, ditched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The politicians from Luo-Nyanza who joined UDA include but not limited to former Governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Okoth Obado (Migori) and Jack Raguma (Kisumu). However, Azimio leaders have poured cold water on their move, insisting that they are not influential in the region, lambasting them as sour election losers.

But according to Malala, the latest development shows that President William Ruto's UDA is making serious inroads in Azimio leader Raila Odinga's stronghold ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Raila an election loser

In any case, Malala says that the mere fact that the politicians lost elections should not be the reason why they are seen as nonentities, because Raila is "an election loser himself".

"Chama cha Raila Odinga kinazidi kudidimia kwa sababu ya kudharau wale ambao wako pale. Umeona wakisema ati wale waliojiunga na UDA kutoka Nyanza ni viongozi walioanguka kura na hawana dhamana yoyote. Lakini pia Raila alianguka kura, yeye na hawa waliojiunga nasi wako sawa. Kwanza Raila ameanguka kura mara tano, Ranguma na Kidero wameanguka mara mbili. Kuanguka kwa kura siyo mwisho wa siasa," Malala said in an interview with TV47's 'Ukumbi Wa Siasa' show.

He also dismissed allegations that President Ruto was "paying" Nyanza leaders to join his UDA Party, in a bid to solidify his 2027 re-election bid.

"Hatupeani kitu ndiyo mtu ajiunge na chama. Chama chetu kwa sasa kina watu milioni tisa nukta tatu, sasa tukisema kila anayejiunga nasi tumpe kitu tutatoa pesa ngapi."