Ford Kenya secretary general John Chikati has told his UDA counterpart Cleophas Malala to demonstrate courtesy and respect for parties in Kenya Kwanza.
In a press briefing at Parliament Buildings, Chikati asked Malala to desist from making ‘reckless’ statements touching on the ruling coalition.
The Tongaren MP said Malala’s insistence that all parties within Kenya Kwanza must collapse to UDA, risks jeopardising the alliance.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is Ford Kenya party leader.
Chikati said it is imperative for Malala to show respect to affiliate parties within the alliance, as they boast of leaders who are integral figures in the coalition.
Malala has been asking Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties – ANC, Democratic Party, Ford Kenya and Maendeleo Chap Chap – to fold up and join UDA party.
However, the call has been vehemently rejected by members of the affiliate parties, who say there was no such agreement when the alliance was formed ahead of last year's general election.
Chikati said Malala’s role as UDA secretary general should not encroach upon the affairs of other parties within the alliance.
“We know that Malala is not the secretary general of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. He should focus on strengthening the UDA party, where he holds the position of secretary general,” he said.
“He should refrain from interfering with the affiliate parties within the coalition that are working towards strengthening the alliance.”
Chikati said Ford Kenya, the second oldest democratic party in Kenya after Kanu, holds a significant place in the nation's history.
He said, “We cannot even contemplate the idea of dissolving Ford Kenya. It is our pride and heritage. Our commitment is to revamp it and pass it on to future generations.”
"We won't be swayed by individuals like Malala who fail to appreciate our history. We have been resilient since 1992, and we will persevere."
"We have seen him in the news, attacking the Kenya Kwanza Alliance relentlessly. Even UDA members in Kiambu county have expressed their dissatisfaction with his actions. He should exercise caution, as it seems he does not comprehend the consequences of his actions," he added.
Chikati reminded Malala of the prominent leaders heading the alliance's parties, with Wetang'ula as the head of Ford Kenya and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi leading the ANC party.
He said Malala's words were perceived as disrespectful towards these leaders, a stance that the coalition would not tolerate.
