United Democratic Alliance Secretary Cleophas Malala on Saturday, May 27, hit out at Azimio politicians calling them hypocrites masquerading as public defenders as they pursue selfish interests.
Speaking during the funeral of former politician, Joseph Hamisi, Malala slammed Kakamega Deputy-Governor Ayub Savula - claiming that he called him requesting to join the government in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
He called into question why the Azimio politicians don't confront President William Ruto when they visit State House.
"The truth of the matter is that when you go to State House, all of you don't confront William Ruto about this matter. You say these things only at gatherings and burials.
"Yesterday (Friday), I was with the president, Ayub Savula called me and requested to join the government in the next elections. You did not mention anything about taxation. If you humiliate the president, we will do the same. I will call you out by names," Malala lashed out.
Savula, on the other hand, had advocated for the housing fund to be made voluntary as opposed to a mandatory requirement.
"For instance, a teacher has made his own plans and set up a house, and you want to charge him three per cent. For what?" he enquired.
Further, Malala dismissed the resignation of the party's Vice Chairperson Seth Panyako over the housing fund debacle. Alluding to this, he listed the UDA leadership and indicated that Panyako was not in the picture.
This included Governor Cecil Mbarire (Chairperson), Hassan Omar (Deputy Chairperson), Malalah (Secretary-General) and Japheth Nyakundi (Treasurer).
"This is the UDA leadership. Seth Panyako resigned from nothing," he indicated.
The UDA Secretary-General also faulted politicians who criticised the housing levy at social events and not at designated forums such as Parliament where they could table the issues before the House.
"The 3 per cent housing contribution is not a subject to be criticized in funerals and informal gatherings; Do it in Parliament, "he stated.
Panyako, who made the announcement at the same funeral event, had indicated that his reason was driven by his will to stand with Kenyans.
He maintained that he had no option but to quit the ruling party.
"I have decided to stick with Kenyans because, during the campaigns, we used to say kazi ni kazi, pesa mfukoni. Now they are saying, Kazi ni kazi, pesa kwa serikali," he stated.
Alluding to this, he confirmed that he made the decision after discussing the matter with the president as he maintained his stance on opposing the housing fund.
"I talked to the President at 7:00 pm and it seemed that I could not continue my role given my opposition to the housing fund and the high cost of living.
"Therefore, on behalf of my late friend (Hamisi), I want to announce that I have resigned from my position at UDA," he indicated.
