NAIROBI, Kenya – The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily blocked the Registrar of Political Parties from replacing Cleophas Malala with Hassan Omar as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general.
In a ruling issued on Friday, the tribunal ordered Registrar Anne Nderitu to halt any changes within the ruling party’s leadership pending an inter partes hearing scheduled for October 16, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
“The respondent is directed to re-serve their responses upon the applicant via the email addresses exchanged in the virtual platform,” part of the ruling reads.
The tribunal, chaired by Desma Nungo and comprised of members Stephen Musau, Muzna Jin, and Abdirahman Adan Abdikadir, issued the order in response to a challenge brought against Malala’s ousting.
Malala’s removal as secretary general occurred on August 2, 2024, following weeks of internal disputes within the party.
The National Executive Council (NEC), led by UDA chairperson Cecile Mbarire, resolved to oust him and appoint Omar, who is the party’s vice chairperson, as interim secretary general.
“The appointment of Cleophas Malala as interim secretary general is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately,” the NEC stated at the time.
The decision was made following consultations under Article 8.2 of the party’s constitution, with the NEC designating Omar to take over Malala’s role on a temporary basis.
In a ruling issued on Friday, the tribunal ordered Registrar Anne Nderitu to halt any changes within the ruling party’s leadership pending an inter partes hearing scheduled for October 16, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
“The respondent is directed to re-serve their responses upon the applicant via the email addresses exchanged in the virtual platform,” part of the ruling reads.
The tribunal, chaired by Desma Nungo and comprised of members Stephen Musau, Muzna Jin, and Abdirahman Adan Abdikadir, issued the order in response to a challenge brought against Malala’s ousting.
Malala’s removal as secretary general occurred on August 2, 2024, following weeks of internal disputes within the party.
The National Executive Council (NEC), led by UDA chairperson Cecile Mbarire, resolved to oust him and appoint Omar, who is the party’s vice chairperson, as interim secretary general.
“The appointment of Cleophas Malala as interim secretary general is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately,” the NEC stated at the time.
The decision was made following consultations under Article 8.2 of the party’s constitution, with the NEC designating Omar to take over Malala’s role on a temporary basis.
