This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
July 11, 2020 - Kakamega Senator Clephas Malala and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna have joined forces to create a new wave of leadership in Western Kenya. The two leaders recently convened an inaugural meeting of the Mulembe Youth Movement, an organization that brings together youth from the region to pursue a common political agenda.
According to Senator Malala, the meeting was a significant step towards empowering the youth in the region. 'Humbled this afternoon to have hosted a battery of youthful leaders both elected, nominated and appointed at my Milimani Residence in Kakamega town, Lurambi Constituency, in the inaugural Mulembe Youth Movement first ever meeting,' Malala wrote.
However, the move has not gone without controversy. The Amani National Congress (ANC) party, led by Musalia Mudavadi, had previously attempted to expel Senator Malala from the party. But in a major blow to the party, the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, ruled that the party's move did not follow due process.
Registrar Nderitu stated that the disciplinary proceedings against Senator Malala were not concluded within the stipulated timelines under Article 49 of the ANC Party Constitution. She also noted that the National Governing Council did not approve the disciplinary committee as reconstituted by the NEC in line with Article 46 (1) (d)(ii) of the ANC party Constitution.
On the other hand, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has been vocal about the need for the youth to take charge of their own destiny. 'Nothing for us, in our name, without us. If those who ought to speak for all of us speak only for themselves, we the Youth of Mulembe will speak for ourselves!' Sifuna charged.
