NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court today upheld a key decision by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, affirming the removal of former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala as Secretary-General and the subsequent appointment of Hassan Omar.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, delivering the ruling on Monday, quashed the orders issued by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which had earlier restrained the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, from implementing the leadership changes within the ruling party.
The tribunal had issued the temporary injunction following a case filed by Malala, who sought to challenge his ousting.
In his judgment, Mwamuye stated, “An order is hereby issued quashing the directions and orders made on September 27, 2024, by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal and quashing any subsequent orders emanating from and or in furtherance of those proceedings.”
The ruling effectively nullifies the tribunal’s decision and validates the party’s internal processes that led to Malala’s removal on August 2, 2024, following a turbulent period of internal disputes within UDA.
The court’s decision also officially ends Malala’s appeal before the tribunal, which is now deemed terminated and not subject to further hearing.
UDA’s decision to replace Malala with Hassan Omar, a former Mombasa Senator, came after weeks of political infighting and was formally ratified during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting led by the party’s national chairperson, Cecile Mbarire.
The changes were published in a Gazette Notice, confirming the leadership shift.
In her statement, Mbarire had declared Malala’s appointment as acting Secretary-General revoked, citing the need for new leadership to steer the party.
The court ruling today firmly supports the legitimacy of these changes and the Gazette Notice.
“The declaration affirming the Gazette Notice Volume CXXVI No. 128 dated August 19, 2024, and the subsequent leadership changes, remains valid and in force,” Mwamuye said.
The legal battle surrounding Malala’s removal had drawn significant political attention, with UDA supporters and critics alike closely monitoring the developments within the ruling party.
The court’s decision is seen as a significant victory for President Ruto and his faction, as it not only supports internal party discipline but also reaffirms the party’s autonomy in managing its affairs.
