President William Ruto’s party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is facing serious allegations involving the payment of ghost workers. The accusations have come to light after a revealing statement by the party’s former secretary-general, Cleophas Malala, a key ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Malala, in an interview published by Monday’s Standard, disclosed that the party’s leadership had pressured him to pay for workers who were not actually showing up for their jobs.According to Malala, the party was paying close to 197 people on its payroll, yet only about 40 to 50 of these individuals were actually coming to work.
This large discrepancy raises serious questions about the management of funds within the party, and Malala has pointed the finger squarely at the leadership for orchestrating this fraudulent scheme. He claims that he was directly instructed by the higher-ups to make these payments, despite the fact that the majority of the listed workers were not present at their jobs.
This situation reflects poorly on the party, which is supposed to be a major player in the country’s political landscape, given its role in supporting President Ruto’s government.
The scandal deepens with allegations that the party used these ghost workers as a cover to hire unqualified individuals, allowing them to evade tax obligations. Malala has promised to present critical documents that could back up his claims, including the party’s Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN, which could shed light on the extent of these questionable practices.
His statement raises concerns about possible corruption and mismanagement within the party, particularly regarding how funds were allocated and whether there was an effort to sidestep taxes by hiring non-existent workers.
The issue of ghost workers is not new in Kenya, and it has often been associated with misuse of public funds, corruption, and inefficiency in government institutions. The revelation about UDA brings these familiar problems to the forefront, as it suggests that even political parties, which are supposed to lead by example, are not immune to such malpractices.
What makes this case even more significant is the involvement of top leadership figures who, according to Malala, directed these illegal activities.
These allegations could have serious implications not only for UDA but also for the government that it supports.Malala’s decision to speak out and expose these irregularities is a bold move, especially considering his past loyalty to the party and its leadership. However, his willingness to share such sensitive information suggests that there may be more to the story than just the issues with the ghost workers.
The former secretary-general has indicated that he is prepared to reveal even more details, which could potentially implicate more individuals within the party.
Many are questioning the integrity of UDA and its leadership. The public’s trust in the party could be severely damaged if these claims are proven true, leading to further probe of the financial practices of political parties in Kenya.
The situation raises critical questions about accountability and transparency in political organizations, as well as the need for stricter oversight to prevent such abuses in the future. With the revelations coming at a time when the party is trying to consolidate its power and maintain its influence in Kenyan politics, the fallout could be significant for its image and its ability to operate effectively in the future.
