Shifting Alliances and Sharp Accusations: Malala’s Critique of Raila Odinga and UDA

Kenya’s political landscape is no stranger to fiery rhetoric and shifting alliances, but recent remarks by Cleophas Malala, deputy leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), have stirred fresh debate. In a televised discussion on a local station, Malala unleashed a pointed critique of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of craving influence without accountability. He also opened up about his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), claiming he was ousted for questioning President William Ruto’s failure to deliver on campaign promises. These statements, delivered with Malala’s characteristic bluntness, have sparked conversations about power, responsibility, and the state of Kenyan politics.

Malala’s central accusation against Raila Odinga is that the veteran politician has never genuinely aspired to the presidency but instead seeks the perks of power without its burdens. “Raila Odinga has never been interested in being the president of this country,” Malala declared during the morning show. “He wants to be in power without responsibility.” This claim paints Raila, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for decades, as a strategic operator who prefers to wield influence behind the scenes rather than bear the weight of executive leadership. Malala’s remarks suggest a calculated maneuvering, where Raila secures government privileges—such as protection and appointments—while distancing himself from unpopular policies.

To illustrate his point, Malala used a striking metaphor. “When things go wrong, Raila sends Sifuna to say, ‘That was not part of our agreement.’ But when things are calm, he knows how to behave while eating. Table manners,” he quipped, referring to ODM’s secretary-general Edwin Sifuna. The imagery of “table manners” implies that Raila adeptly navigates political alliances to enjoy the benefits of government proximity without being held accountable for its failures. This critique resonates with some Kenyans who view Raila’s recent cooperation with President Ruto’s administration as opportunistic, especially after years of leading opposition protests.

Malala pointed to the broad-based agreement between Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition and Raila’s Azimio la Umoja as evidence of this dynamic. Signed in March 2025, the pact aimed to foster unity and address pressing issues like the cost of living and infrastructure development. However, Malala argued that the agreement has been largely ineffective. “They got into this broad-based arrangement with a ten-point agenda, but up to now, they have never even sat for a single meeting to address those issues,” he said. He suggested that Raila’s involvement in the government serves more as a political maneuver than a genuine commitment to governance, allowing ODM leaders to secure key positions while Raila maintains a public stance of independence.

The former UDA secretary-general also highlighted Raila’s shifting positions on national issues to underscore his point. “Last year, he led demonstrations against the high cost of living and the Adani takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” Malala noted. “Now he’s defending the same Adani project, calling its cancellation a mistake.” Raila’s remarks on June 20, 2025, expressing disappointment over the termination of the airport deal, marked a notable pivot from his earlier opposition. Malala dismissed this as “political convenience,” accusing Raila of aligning with policies that suit his interests while deflecting blame for their consequences.

Malala’s critique of Raila is part of a broader narrative he’s pushing as DCP’s deputy leader. The party, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, positions itself as a voice for Kenyans disillusioned with both Ruto’s government and Raila’s opposition. Malala’s own political journey reflects this discontent. Once a key figure in UDA, he claims he was sidelined after raising concerns about the government’s failure to honor its campaign pledges. “I was kicked out of UDA because I questioned why we weren’t implementing the promises President Ruto made to Kenyans,” he said. These promises, which included job creation, affordable healthcare, and economic reforms, were central to Ruto’s 2022 election campaign but have faced criticism for slow progress.

Malala’s exit from UDA was not without drama. As the party’s secretary-general, he was a vocal advocate for Western Kenya’s interests, often clashing with party insiders. His departure in early 2025 culminated in his alignment with Gachagua’s DCP, a move that signaled his break with Ruto’s inner circle. “I couldn’t stay silent while Kenyans were struggling,” Malala explained. “The cost of living is soaring, and basic commodities are no longer affordable, yet those in power act like everything is fine.” His remarks tap into widespread frustration among Kenyans grappling with economic challenges, from rising fuel prices to increased taxes.

The formation of DCP has added a new dimension to Kenya’s political dynamics. Launched on May 15, 2025, in Nairobi, the party aims to challenge Ruto’s dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. Malala has been instrumental in expanding DCP’s reach, particularly in his home region of Western Kenya. However, his efforts have not been without resistance. A DCP rally in Kakamega on May 24, 2025, descended into chaos when police dispersed supporters with teargas, prompting Malala to accuse Ruto of suppressing dissent. “This was a peaceful event, and I don’t understand why the police decided to disrupt it,” he said at the time. The incident underscored the tensions between DCP and the government, with Malala vowing to continue mobilizing despite intimidation.

Malala’s accusations against Raila also reflect a personal history of rivalry. In 2021, Raila publicly challenged Malala’s regional influence, jokingly claiming to be “more Luhya” than the Kakamega senator during a rally. Malala, then aligned with the Amani National Congress, had threatened to block Raila’s event in Bukhungu Stadium, escalating their feud. This past animosity adds a layer of personal stakes to Malala’s current critiques, suggesting his remarks are as much about settling old scores as they are about policy disagreements.

For Raila’s supporters, Malala’s claims are a distortion of reality. They argue that Raila’s engagement with Ruto’s government is a pragmatic move to stabilize the country after months of protests and economic strain. “Raila is working for Kenyans, not for personal gain,” says Mary Wambui, a Nairobi-based ODM supporter. “He’s been fighting for justice his entire career, and this pact is about solving real problems.” Raila himself has defended the agreement, stating during a May 30, 2025, tour of Nyanza with Ruto that it aims to “ease tension in our country” and deliver policies that benefit all Kenyans.

Critics, however, see the pact as a betrayal of Raila’s opposition roots. Political analyst John Mwangi argues that Raila’s cooperation with Ruto risks alienating his base. “Raila has always been the voice of the marginalized, but aligning with the government makes him look like part of the establishment,” Mwangi says. “Malala’s accusations, whether fair or not, are gaining traction because people are frustrated with the status quo.” This sentiment is particularly strong in regions like Western Kenya, where Malala is rallying support for DCP by promising to address long-standing issues of neglect.

As Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, the rivalry between DCP, UDA, and ODM is set to intensify. Malala’s outspoken style and Gachagua’s regional influence make DCP a formidable contender, especially in areas disillusioned with Ruto’s administration. Meanwhile, Raila’s balancing act—maintaining his opposition credentials while collaborating with the government—will test his political dexterity. “Kenyans are watching closely,” says Mwangi. “They want leaders who deliver, not just those who talk.”

Malala’s remarks, while provocative, reflect a deeper truth about Kenyan politics: power is often a game of perception and positioning. Whether Raila truly seeks power without responsibility or is simply navigating a complex landscape, the debate Malala has ignited underscores the challenges of leadership in a divided nation. For now, the former UDA secretary-general is carving out his own path, betting that his candid critiques and new political home will resonate with a public hungry for change.