South Africa's Malema Renews Attacks on Raila [VIDEO]

A photo of South Africa's opposition leader Julius Malema in March 2023.
A photo of South Africa's opposition leader Julius Malema in March 2023.
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News 24

South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader Julius Malema has chided Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga for leading a wave of anti-government protests witnessed in the past weeks.

Speaking during the EFF’s 10th Anniversary Rally held at FNB stadium in Soweto, the opposition leader told Raila to refrain from sabotaging President William Ruto's administration, which was democratically elected in the August 2022 Presidential Elections.

He urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader to allow peace to prevail in the country by calling an end to the protests.

"Comrades, we want to make a call in Kenya especially to comrade Raila Odinga. Stop doing what you're doing," he stated.

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"Do not disrupt Kenya, we need peace in Kenya. President William Ruto was democratically elected in Kenya. I will not allow you to use the people of Kenya to destabilise the peace of Kenya."

Interestingly, Malema, who is a vocal critic of South Africa's ruling party - African National Congress - has also led a wave of protests against Cyril Ramaphosa's led administration.

In March 2023, Malema led mass protests against the economic elite empowered by the government, terming the protests as a national shutdown. The protests began in the wee hours of the morning with EFF supporters marching to the streets, while receiving protection from police officers to carry out the demonstrations.

The South African opposition leader has in the past called out Raila for not accepting election results; urging him to move on and choose a different leader. 

"Accept and move on. Raila Odinga should accept the results of the elections and act with restraint with their supporters. It should never be in the name of any presidential candidate. Kenyans must love their country more than loving individuals," he stated. 

Political players have drawn similarities between Malema and Raila; two politicians who are not afraid to offend the powers-that-be to the point  of causing a disruption.

42-year-old Malema has in the past vowed to be South Africa's president, noting that the EFf party continues to appeal to the voters.

"I’m going to be president of this country, whether you like it or not. I will preside over the affairs of this country. I think you must start adjusting to that reality. The sooner you do that, the less chest pains you will have when that reality comes," the vocal leader stated.

Further, Malema has in the past showed his support for President William Ruto's administration, including sending a congratulatory message after his 2022 election victory.

On the other hand, Raila holds close ties with South Africa's Ramaphosa - a man who the former sought to become the mediator between the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza regime.

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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking at a rally in Kiambu County on March 17, 2023.
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