Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has dismissed threats to have him expelled from Amani National Congress party over his allegiance to ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The Musalia Mudavadi-led party is keen to de-whip rebels, with nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi having already fallen victim to disciplinary actions.
On Sunday, Malala, who is now deputy Minority Leader in Senate, vowed to stand with Raila, arguing that Mr Mudavadi had convinced them to support the ODM leader.
“Nobody has the capacity to victimise me in ANC. Even in 2017 I was at the forefront, advocating for a Musalia candidature in Nasa. I even led demos in Kakamega saying ‘No Mudavadi No Nasa’ but Musalia convinced us that they had agreed on Raila to fly the flag,” he said, adding that ANC has no authority to expel Mr Osotsi over his links with ODM.
“He (Mr Mudavadi) is the one who took us to Raila and, as we speak, I am the deputy leader of the minority at the Senate courtesy of Nasa and our leader is Raila,” said Mr Malala as quoted by the Nation.
The Kakamega see also defended Osotsi, arguing that claims he misappropriated money are false. He said the then Secretary-General could not withdraw money from party account alone.
“If they are talking of lost funds, then a secretary-general alone could not withdraw party funds. The chairman, treasurer and party leader must come out clear on this matter,” he added.
ANC is revamping ahead of 2022 Presidential elections and Mr Mudavadi has maintained that he will be on the ballot. He supported Mr Odinga in 2017.