NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Friday revoked former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s appointment as acting Secretary-General on Friday, despite a court order issued on Thursday, Aug 1 to halt the meeting.
Malala had sought legal intervention from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal on Thursday, leading to an interim order barring the NEC from convening.
The order, issued by Tribunal Chairperson Desma Nungo, explicitly prohibited the NEC from holding any meetings on August 2nd, 2024, until the petition could be heard.
The case is scheduled for mention on August 13th, to ensure compliance and provide further directions.
Under the leadership of UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, the committee announced Malala’s removal and appointed Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar as the interim Secretary General, effective immediately.
“The appointment of Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked,” read a statement from the party, citing extensive consultations and adherence to Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution as the basis for their decision.
Malala’s tenure as acting Secretary General, which began in February 2023 following Veronica Maina’s nomination to the Senate, has been fraught with internal conflicts.
A faction within the UDA has been vocal about their desire to see him ousted, accusing him of neglecting his duties and opposing the formation of a broad-based government.
Earlier in the week, lawyer Joe Khalende made headlines by storming the UDA headquarters, proclaiming himself the new Secretary General.
Khalende criticized Malala for his alleged lack of commitment to the party and declared his intention to restore the party’s original people-centric principles.
“Going forward, the UDA party is going back to its members. It was formed as a people-centered party, not on individuals within the party,” Khalende asserted, though his claims were dismissed by Chairperson Mbarire, who emphasized the party’s structured approach to governance.
