Why I Rejected Raila's Ksh 20M Bribe - Malala

File image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
File image of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has claimed that he turned down Ksh20 million from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga. 

Speaking in Bungoma on Friday, January 28, the senator alleged that he was summoned by the former Prime Minister alongside Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga (ANC).

Raila, according to the ANC politician, attempted to convince the two Western Kenya politicians to decamp from ANC and join Azimio la Umoja movement. 

"A few days ago, they showed us a lot of money. Majimbo and I were offered Ksh20 million but turned down Raila Odinga's money and asked him to revive Pan African Paper Mills, Mumias and Nzoia Sugar if he thought he had enough cash," Malala stated.

Cleophas Malala William Ruto
Deputy President William Ruto consults with Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala during the latter's football tournament on December 31, 2021, in Mumias
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He further asked residents not to vote for anyone supporting the former Prime Minister's bid to become the 5th President of Kenya.

The Kakamega Senator also claimed that Gideon Moi (KANU) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) stormed out of Bomas of Kenya on January 23 for they were angry that Raila had not been invited. 

He explained that ANC also informed Gideon and Kalonzo that the Luhya community will not support Raila. 

Malala noted that he and other leaders from the region had vowed to follow ANC leader Musalia and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetangula. 

"We agreed that if Musalia and Wetangula ask us to turn left, we will turn left. If they tell us to head right, we will head right," he remarked. 

Speaking earlier in Malaba, Kakamega County, Bungoma Senator, Moses Wetangula, revealed why he opted to get into a political alliance with Deputy President William. 

He accused Raila of betraying them and vowed to support Mudavadi and Ruto to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in August 2022.  

"As a community (Luhya), we have been played, laughed at and wronged by many people. The people that we have helped are the ones who are now using us. It's time for Mulembe people to reclaim their respect. It's time for us not to work for our neighbours but ourselves. We want to be treated with respect.

"Since the handshake, which Luhya has he (Raila) picked and given a Cabinet post? Which Luhya has he picked as an ambassador? Which road project has he launched here? Has he built a port here like in Kisumu?" the Bungoma Senator posed.

However, Lugari MP Ayub Savula, who defected from ANC to Azimio argued that Mudavadi and Wetangula were bitter after Uhuru endorsed Raila for the presidency. 

From left: Party leaders Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya), William Ruto (UDA), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and William Kabogo (Tujibebe Wakenya Party) at the Bomas of Kenya on Sunday, January 23, 2022
From left: Party leaders Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya), William Ruto (UDA), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and William Kabogo (Tujibebe Wakenya Party) at the Bomas of Kenya on Sunday, January 23, 2022
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