The rivalry between Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa seems to have been a thing of the past following their Saturday's reunion.
Since 2018, the two have often clashed over supremacy in the larger Kakamega region and at times, their rivalry had led to violence.
At Mumias East on Saturday, the two seemed to have reconciled, promising to respect and support Musalia Mudavadi should he expand his networks beyond Western Kenya.
“I am ready to do anything to ensure a Luhya ascends to power. But this can only be possible if [Mr] Mudavadi moves out of the comfort zone to get the support of other communities,” Echesa had said as quoted by the Nation.
And on his part, Malala said he will work with Echesa to bring together the people of Western Kenya. He said that Mr Echesa should also prepare to contest in 2022, arguing that 'he can speak English and can get a degree by 2022'.
"As youths, we are ready to rally for a Luhya candidate. Infact, Rashid can now speak English and by 2022, he will have a degree," said Malala.
“Today, we are announcing our full support to our brother (Mudavadi) to ensure the Luhya community moves together as a bloc. We are ready to conduct the groundwork for you as our presidential candidate in 2022,” he added.
In the past, Malala has criticised Echesa's academic achievements, arguing that he should go back to school. The former CS dropped out of school at class 7.
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