Malala Responds to Banning UDA Politicians from Being Interviewed Alongside Sifuna
On Saturday, March 16, Cleophas Malalah, the Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), refuted claims of prohibiting politicians from his party from participating in media interviews alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The ex-Senator from Kakamega raised concerns about a circulated press statement on social media, claiming that he had supposedly given the directive in his role as Secretary General.
“Ignore the circulation and consider it as fake,” he stated.
The fabricated announcement alleged that media outlets were collaborating to portray UDA politicians as lacking intellectual capability.
The crux of the issue lies in the perception that Sifuna frequently comes across as more intellectually astute when compared to UDA politicians in interviews and discussions.
“To avoid further embarrassing episodes, the party is now pulling the plug on the appearance of its members alongside Senator Sifuna in any show regardless of the media house hosting it,” read part of the release.
The statement advised politicians to verify with media outlets whether Sifuna was involved in any programs they were invited to, and if so, they were encouraged to reject the invitation.
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It was claimed that the directive aligned more smoothly with President William Ruto’s ideologies, with less embarrassment.
“This decision is occasioned by the desires of the party to project the ideologies of H.E. William Ruto in a way that minimizes embarrassment and humiliation to the party and its leadership,” read part of the release.
In the past, there has been a notable trend among Kenyans to mock UDA politicians who falter when faced with challenging questions about the new government, particularly when Senator Sifuna outshines them in such situations.
In February, there was a confrontation between Sifuna and Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, who is affiliated with UDA. This occurred when Sifuna accused Ruto of dishonesty, claiming that he frequently makes inaccurate statements.
During the televised interview, Sifuna brushed off every effort made by his counterpart to discourage him from labeling Ruto as dishonest.
“Sifuna should respect people. You cannot say the president is telling lies. If people are older than you per the Pokomo customs,” Mungatana stated to which Sifuna responded, “Ruto is neither a Pokomo nor an elder.”
Malala Responds to Banning UDA Politicians from Being Interviewed Alongside Sifuna