• Malala ruled out the perception that the alliance will lose its popularity in the Mt Kenya region if Musalia deputises Ruto.
• Malala said Mudavadi is the right person to ensure that the Uchumi Kwanza manifesto comes true since he is well versed with the economy.
Image: AMANI NATIONAL CONGRESS PARTY
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has said the ANC party is firmly in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and will accept the outcome of the ongoing negotiations that seek to identify the person who will be deputy president William Ruto's running mate.
The latest development from Malala appears to be a clear indication that ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi has given up the earlier push to be picked as the alliance flag bearer.
“Sisi kama chama cha ANC tumepeana proposal yetu kwamba Deputy President wa William Ruto awe Musalia Mudavadi,” Malala said.
This loosely translates to: "As ANC party, we have forwarded our proposal that the person to be picked as William Ruto’s deputy is Musalia Mudavad".
Malala said that Mudavadi is the right person to ensure that the Uchumi Kwanza manifesto of the alliance comes true since he is well versed with the economy.
“Ukiskia vile ambavyo anaongelea maswala ya uchumi, basi naibu wa Ruto lazima awe ambaye anaelewa maswala hayo. Hatusemi eti hakuna mtu mwingine mwenye haelewi mambo hayo. Tunasema hivi, at akiwa mtu wa kutoka Nyanza, ama Rift Valley, bora awe anaelewa uchumi.”
This translates to: "When you hear him talking about the economy, then you will realise that DP Ruto’s deputy must be a person who understands the economy. We don’t say that there is no other person who can do that but whether the person comes from Nyanza, Rift Valley or so, he/she must understand about the economy.
He also ruled out the perception that the alliance will lose its popularity in the Mt Kenya region if Musalia will deputise Ruto.
“We are not in this thing to look for positions, we are here to change the lives of our people, our stand, therefore, is not about positions.”
The senator also said that ANC is still popular in the western region even after the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) of Eugene Wamalwa raided the region.
Earlier on, Malala met with leaders from the Mt Kenya region during which, he said, they agreed to work together and focus their energy on winning the presidency.
“The Mountain and Mulembe Nation will work together to deliver the 5th president of the Republic of Kenya. Privileged to have met leaders from the expansive Mt.kenya region for a candid tête a tête on the same.,” Malala said.
Among those he met were deputy president William Ruto, Embu Senator Peter Njeru Ndwiga, MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Kimani Ichung'wa (Kikuyu), John Njuguna Kawanjiku among others.