How Ruto Countered Raila Midnight Ultimatum – Malala

UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala speaks during a consultative meeting with the Party's 47 County Coordinators in Nairobi on May 18, 2023.
UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala speaks during a consultative meeting with the Party's 47 County Coordinators in Nairobi on May 18, 2023.
Photo
Cleo Malala

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general, Cleophas Malala, revealed how President William Ruto countered Azimio’s midnight ultimatum on Tuesday, May 30.

Azimio had given UDA's umbrella coalition, Kenya Kwanza, three conditions before they could return to the bipartisan talks.

Speaking on the same day during an interview with TV 47, Malala revealed that the President had chosen to disregard in totality the demands made by Azimio and concentrate on his mandate.

The government, Malala warned, cannot take instructions nor bow to opposition demands.

Tharaka MP and Co-Chair of Bipartisan Parliamentary Team speaking to the press on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Tharaka MP and Co-Chair of Bipartisan Parliamentary Team speaking to the press on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Photo
Esther Okenyuri

“Kenya Kwanza is the government, and Azimio should give us space to work on our promises to the people for the next five years.

“If we do not perform, they have a democratic right to try to unseat us in the next election. But we cannot have the government run by the opposition,” Malala stated.

The former Kakamega senator was irked by Azimio's ultimatums to the head of state, indicating that the opposition threats were becoming habitual. 

“You cannot be giving the government midnight ultimatums. Tomorrow you will wake up and find the government working.

“We have no interest in protests, our President has stated it is time to work for the people,” Malala revealed Ruto’s position.

The demands that necessitated the ultimatum were; the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, Kenya Kwanza interfering with Azimio sister parties, and addressing the rising cost of living.

Kenya Kwanza has made no offers on lowering the cost of living because they are married to the Finance Bill, and we have a plan for the Bill,” Azimio explained how two of the demands were intertwined.

Azimio, on Tuesday, May 30, demanded that the Finance Bill be withdrawn and replaced by a proposal that recognises the people's grievances. 

“Other than merely committing not to interfere in the affairs of other parties, Kenya Kwanza must agree that all Jubilee Members of Parliament who have defected have to face by-elections, in line with the Constitution,” Azimio demanded on the issue of party interference by the State.

From left, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and NARC party leader Martha Karua at an event on May 2, 2023
From left, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and NARC party leader Martha Karua at an event on May 2, 2023
Photo
ODM

“Kenya Kwanza has up to midnight today to comply,” Raila’s team issued the ultimatum on Tuesday, May 30, reiterating that it would not honour the bipartisan talks. 

The opposition is expected to recall the nationwide protests to pile pressure on President William Ruto.