The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has escalated his onslaught on the opposition, calling for relevant authorities to stop its planned night vigil.
Malala, on Tuesday, July 25, read a sinister move in the opposition's latest move, arguing that it was orchestrated to confuse security agents
While addressing UDA grassroots leaders from Mombasa at a meeting held at Hustlers Plaza in Nairobi, the former Kakamega Senator, claimed that the vigil may be characterised by chaos which was witnessed in previous protests.
“We know your plans. We have intelligence reports that you postponed the planned day protests so as to use the guise of darkness to cause destruction of property,” Malala, who sits in the Cabinet as President William Ruto's advisor, alleged.
Nonetheless, he stated that security agents would be on standby to protect Kenyans' lives and property in case chaos ensues.
Azimio La Umoja party, under former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, announced that it would hold a night vigil, on Wednesday, July 26, to commemorate Kenyans who lost their lives during demonstrations.
The vigil was unveiled as an alternative to the anti-government protests, which were set to be held on the same day.
In response to the changes, Malala questioned why the opposition did not explore alternative means to mourn the victims who lost their lives during the protest.
“We have many ways of mourning apart from lighting candles. We can go to church to pray for the victims,” Malala advised Azimio.
He further claimed that Raila Odinga was using protests, vigils and other aggressive tactics to initiate a handshake with President William Ruto, allegations the former prime minister has countlessly refuted.
Malala, nonetheless, reiterated an earlier assertion by Ruto and other pro-government officials that the Kenya Kwanza administration would be coerced into sharing power with the opposition.
In other developments, Raila, on Tuesday, July 25, stated that he was open to a dialogue with all peace envoys seeking to convince the conflicting parties to agree to a truce.
Speaking in a televised interview with international media houses, he claimed that efforts by Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu to mediate between him and Ruto were frustrated after the latter declined to meet the neighbouring head of state.
Suluhu toured Kenya in mid-July 2023. The Commonwealth also offered to unite Raila and Ruto and warned that the row between the duo hampers peace and tranquillity in Kenya.
