Former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malalah has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, questioning the kind of legacy he will leave behind if he continues to launch what he described as minor and meaningless projects.

Speaking during a church service on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Malalah drew comparisons between Ruto and his predecessors, saying that past presidents had tangible development records that left a lasting impact on the country.

He praised former President Mwai Kibaki for introducing free primary education and building the Thika Superhighway, which greatly boosted Kenya’s economy and infrastructure.

“Mheshimiwa Mwai Kibaki wakati wake alileta free primary education, yeye ndiye alileta Thika Super Highway, tunamkumbuka Kibaki for stabilising our economy,” he noted.

Loosely translated as;

“Honourable Mwai Kibaki, during his time, introduced free primary education. He is the one who brought us the Thika Super Highway. We remember Kibaki for stabilising our economy.”

He also highlighted the achievements of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, pointing to the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and the Mau Mau Road as clear examples of legacy projects that Kenyans can associate with Uhuru’s leadership.

“Wakati wa mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta, tumeona Nairobi Expressway, tumeona SGR, tumeona Mau Mau Road,” Malala observed.

Loosely translated as;

“During Honourable Uhuru Kenyatta’s time, we saw the Nairobi Expressway, the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway), and the Mau Mau road.”

Malalah questioned what legacy Ruto is building in his third year in office, claiming that so far, there is little to show in terms of development.

Malalah mocked the president for launching bedsitters and taking photos with children in small houses, suggesting that the Head of State is lowering the standard of presidential achievements.

“Lakini sasa Kasongo, tutamkumbuka kwa nini? Iko barabara ameunda kweli? Kila rais ako na legacy yake. We want to challenge Ruto; this is your third year in power, wewe unafanya nini? Kazi yako ni kuenda kulaunch bedsitters. Ati rais mzima, unaenda kulaunch bedsitter, unapiga picha na mtoto kwa nyumba,” Malalah stated.

Loosely translated as;

“But now, Kasongo, what will we remember him for? Has he really built any roads? Every president has their legacy. We want to challenge Ruto — this is your third year in power. What are you doing? Your job is going around launching bedsitters. A whole president is going to launch a bedsitter, taking photos with a child inside the house.”

Lamenting

Malalah’s remarks come barely a week after he publicly apologized to the Luhya community for supporting Ruto in the 2022 elections, stating he was misled by unfulfilled promises.

Speaking during a live TV interview on April 3, 2025, he expressed disappointment in the Kenya Kwanza administration’s failure to deliver development in the Western region.

“Ningependa kuchukua nafasi hii kuomba jamii yangu msamaha kwa sababu mwaka wa 2022 niliwaelekeza mahali ambapo kwa sasa inaonaneka dhahiri si mahali pazuri,” he said.

Malalah, who once served as UDA Secretary General, said he had faith in the president’s pledges, including constructing 1000km of roads and reviving local industries.

He cited unfulfilled promises like the revival of Nzoia Sugar and Pan Paper Mills, and criticized some Luhya leaders for pursuing personal gains over community interests.

“I was on the table that decided how resources are distributed. But when the goodies came, they went to other houses and not ours,” he said.

Adding;

“We are not interested in personal possession; what we are interested in is to see Nzoia, Mumias, na ahadi zingine zitekelezwe.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Malala hinted at the possibility of endorsing new leadership if the current leaders fail to deliver.