Kakamega: Cleophas Malala asks Matiang’i to Arrest Raila, Allies For flouting COVID-19 Rules

Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala has told Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to arrest Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Junet Mohamed and other close allies of Raila for allegedly flouting COVID-19 rules.

Addressing the press in Kakamega hours after the former primier presided over the Azimio la Umoja Western consultative meeting at Golf Hotel, Malala accused Raila of holding rallies in the country in disregard to COVID-19 protocols.

”It is unfortunate that the person (Raila) who was with President Uhuru Kenyatta when he announced a ban on all political gatherings is the same person flouting these guidelines. Instead, Raila has been going around holding political meetings,” Malala said.

Malala, elected on an Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket, told Matiang’i to put Raila and his ODM brigade who attended the Kakamega meeting on Friday, September 10 behind bars.

He wants the leaders arrested and prosecuted.

”We want to ask Matiang’i to take firm action against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and its leadership. He has a duty to ensure that he arrests Raila, governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Edwin Sifuna and Junet Mohamed if he is serious about curbing the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

Malala, a staunch ally of ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi asked Matiang’i to allow him and his allies to hold similar meetings if the group is not arrested.

”If Matiang’i is not serious about this issue, then allow us to hold our meetings because as leaders, we also have the capacity to move around the country, but we are responsible leaders who are committed to protecting our people against the pandemic,” Malala explained.

After the meeting at Golf Hotel, Raila addressed roadside meetings where he said that his journey to State House was unstoppable.