On Friday, confusion arose when the UDA party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) unexpectedly revoked former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala’s appointment as acting Secretary General, despite a court order issued the previous day halting the NEC meeting.
Malala had filed a petition with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal on Thursday, seeking to prevent the NEC meeting. The tribunal’s interim order, issued by Chairperson Desma Nungo, prohibited the NEC from proceeding with the meeting scheduled for August 2, 2024.
The petition named UDA Chair Cecily Mbarire and the party as respondents. The case is set for mention on August 13, 2024, to review compliance and provide further directions.
Nevertheless, the UDA announced that its top organ decided to remove Malala from his position and appoint Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar as interim Secretary General. The NEC, chaired by Mbarire, announced that the change is effective immediately.
“Following comprehensive deliberations and in accordance with Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution, the National Executive Committee has appointed Vice-Chairperson Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan as the interim Secretary General, revoking the appointment of Hon. Cleophas Malala,” the party stated.
Malala, who took on the role in February 2023 after Veronica Maina was nominated to the Senate, has been at the center of internal disputes within the party. Recently, some UDA members had called for his removal.
Additionally, on Tuesday, lawyer Joe Khalende claimed he had taken over as Secretary General, criticizing Malala for his alleged lack of commitment and opposition to a broad-based government. Khalende’s claims were dismissed by Chairperson Mbarire, who reaffirmed that the UDA operates according to established party structures.
