Cleophas Malala's posters in Western Kenya have undergone a significant change. Gone is the image of Deputy President William Ruto, a move that has sparked debate within the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Malala's decision to remove Ruto's image comes days after he asked the DP to keep off Western Kenya politics. The move is seen as a sign of the growing tensions within the alliance, particularly between Malala's ANC and Ruto's UDA.
Malala has been a key player in the Kenya Kwanza alliance, but his recent comments suggest that he may be reevaluating his position within the coalition. In a recent interview, he posed a question to his fellow alliance members, saying, 'You have asked us to deliver 70% (of the votes) in Western Kenya to get 30% of the government. But your (UDA) aspirants keep campaigning here (in Kakamega), so how will we achieve your targets?'
Malala's comments highlight the challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza alliance in Western Kenya. The alliance has been struggling to present a united front, with different parties fielding candidates for various seats. Malala's ANC has been at odds with Ruto's UDA, with the latter accused of undermining the former in the region.
The race to succeed outgoing governor Wycliffe Oparanya in Kakamega is heating up, with several candidates vying for the seat. Malala's decision to remove Ruto's image from his posters may be a sign that he is positioning himself for a possible run for the seat.
