UDA Rebukes Raila Night Vigil, Wants It Stopped

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala on Tuesday, July 25 intensified his stance against the opposition, calling for its planned night vigil meeting on Wednesday, July 26 to be stopped.

While addressing UDA grassroots leaders from Mombasa at a meeting held at Hustlers Plaza in Nairobi, the former Kakamega Senator poked holes in Azimio la Umoja's change of plan from the anti-government protests, claiming that it was a smoke screen meant to confuse security agents.

He claimed that the night vigil might be characterised by chaos as was the case in previous opposition protests.

UDA Secretary-General, Cleophas Malala, during a meeting with Mombasa county party leadership on July 25, 2023. /UNITED DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE PARTY

“To say that you want to light candles at night and hold a night vigil, you are planning to cause chaos. We are aware of your plan and the government will ensure the safety of all citizens is maintained,” Malalah pointed out.

The Azimio coalition on Monday, July 24 called off the demonstrations that were slated for July 26 to hold a vigil instead by lighting candles and laying flowers for the victims of police brutality during previous demos.

In response to the changes, Malala wondered why the Raila Odinga-led coalition did not explore alternative means to mourn the victims who lost their lives during the protests.

"If you want to mourn those who passed away, we have many ways to do it; you can go to church and pray for their families or visit their homes," he added.

He further claimed that Raila was using protests, vigils and other aggressive tactics to tempt President Ruto into a handshake deal, despite the former Prime Minister being on record denying such plans.

Malala nonetheless reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration would not be coerced into a power-sharing deal with the opposition, restating affirmations by Ruto and other pro-government leaders.

Raila meanwhile on Tuesday claimed that Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan was frustrated by President Ruto's government from mediating between him and Ruto during her low-key visit to Kenya.

Speaking in a televised interview with international media houses, Raila however stated that he was open to a dialogue with all peace envoys seeking to convince the conflicting parties to strike a truce.

In other developments, Kenya Kwanza urged Azimio to resume the bi-partisan talks to resolve issues between the two camps weeks after they collapsed, the result being the resumption of the anti-government protests.

“We are prepared to talk and for the sake of the country it is important to reiterate that if they come in we are able to take matters from where they will be,” said Tharaka Member of Parliament George Murugara during a media briefing.

“We want the Azimio side to confirm too, like us if they are ready for the talks. They are also to confirm when they will are actually resuming and coming to the round table so that we can have the discussion."

Kenya Kwanza Bipartisan Committee members led by Co-chairperson George Murugara addressing the media at Parliament Buildings on June 27, 2023. /TWITTER.ESTHER OKENYURI