Aston Lukoye
- Former UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala claims that MP Kimani Ichung’wah and Governor Cecily Mbarire want the deputy president removed from power for personal gain.
- He stated that President William Ruto and the larger administration created by opposition MPs had nothing to do with the plot to remove them.
- Malala cautioned that if the current divided politics are not addressed, the ruling UDA’s stability could be weakened.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is currently facing an impeachment motion filed by Kenya Kwanza leaders.
On Thursday, August 15, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala condemned the move to remove him from power, stating that senior UDA leaders were behind it.
Malala stated that Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in the National Assembly, and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire conspired to remove her from her UDA position after their efforts to separate her from Gachagua failed.
“It should be recognized that the coup plotters’ goal to depose the deputy president had nothing to do with President William Ruto, the larger government, or any other narrative that they offered. His fall from power had little to do with the selfish politics of 2027-2032 in the Mt Kenya region, and it was motivated by Cecily Mbarire and Kimani Ichung’wah, he stated.
Why does Malala think Ichung’wah and Mbarire want Gachagua to be removed?
According to Malala, Ichung’wah and Mbarire plotted a “revolution” to gain prominence in the approaching elections.
“These two want our deputy president to be taken out so that they can position themselves strategically in the emerging political changes,” according to him.
Malala warned that divided politics, if not controlled, could destroy the UDA Party’s stability, popularity, and existence. This move followed Gachagua’s efforts to build unity in the Mt Kenya region, despite requests to focus on national development.
