Two Western region leaders have been extending their rival over a long period of time now, with their supporters having engaged in real fights during their different rallies.
Who should be blamed for the rift? Everyone has been wishing to see western leaders unite once and for all, with one main purpose but for a long time this has remained to be a dream.
The supremacy battle between Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa and Kakamega County senator Cleophas Malala is now taking a new twist.
A few months ago, supporters of the duo engaged in a real fight at Mayoni market in Mumias, following what was said to be a Malala staged rally to spoil CS Echesa’s reputation.
This saw several people die through the serious fights that were witnessed which Malala claimed later that it was an attack from Echesa’s supporters aiming at disrupting his rally with the youth.
Away from that, the two are now seriously engaging in air battles in which Deputy President William Ruto is being mentioned in their engagements.
They have taken their war to radio stations where they have expressed displeasure at each other. Their differences are fuelled by their political standings.
Echesa was last week speaking in an interview with western community based radio station, where he was really irked by Malala’s attacks on Deputy President William Ruto. The senator alleges the DP is corrupt.
On Wednesday, Malala denied allegations that he has benefited from Ruto’s charity. The senator spoke on Radio Jambo.
“That was a reckless statement by the CS. My house is Sh40 million and not Sh5 million as he claimed. I am a businessman,” he said.
He mocked the CS, saying he should build his own house instead of living in a rental house behind a shop.
On Tuesday, Echesa said on a vernacular radio station that Malala built his palatial home with cash from the DP.
The CS alleged that during a visit to the DP’s Sugoi home, Malala appealed for help to build his house.
“Malala was told by Ruto to look for me to take him to his house in Eldoret. He told the DP that he had no house. Later, the DP called me and gave me the first Sh3 million for the house,” Echesa claimed.
“Malala asked for more money and was given Sh2.5 million for roofing. He was added more cash to furnish the house,” he said.
Malala accused the CS of sponsoring youth to attack him.
“I am being seen as an obstacle to Jubilee’s efforts to penetrate Western. That is why I am being fought,” Malala said.
Malala told the CS to stick to his job and leave politics.
He also took a swipe at former Kakamega senator Bonny Khalwale for supporting Ruto. He said he is looking for financial gain.
“Khalwale had never donated more than Sh20,000 while he was holding elective positions. However, the other day he gave Sh700,000 in a harambee,” Malala said.
DP Ruto who has also been seen rifting with former prime minister Raila Odinga has been recently gaining following in different counties in what many believe he has been using money to sway supporters.
The money factor might be the main cause of the rift between CS Echesa and Senator Malala but will it end considering the fact that referendum is looming ahead of 2022 electioneering period?