Former UDA party Secretary General Cleophas Malala has fiercely rejected his recent removal from the position, denouncing it as an “outright coup.”
Malala asserts that he is still legally the Secretary General of the ruling party and has challenged his ouster at the party’s dispute tribunal committee.
Malala’s removal was executed during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting led by National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire.
This decision followed weeks of political discord, with accusations that Malala had been undermining the party’s interests.
The NEC’s decision saw Senator Hassan Omar appointed as the acting Secretary General, a move that has now been confirmed by the Registrar of Political Parties.
In response, Malala filed a suit against Mbarire, the UDA party, and named Omar as an interested party.
His legal battle faced a setback when the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), chaired by Desma Nungo, dismissed his urgent application to prevent Omar from assuming office.
Despite seeking a court order to block his removal, Malala’s attempt to stay in the role was unsuccessful.
This legal and political turmoil came amid statements from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who publicly expressed his displeasure over not being consulted about the decision. Gachagua criticized the removal process, revealing that he was excluded from the crucial meeting that resulted in Malala’s ouster.
The UDA party, meanwhile, has begun implementing administrative changes following Malala’s removal.
The National Elections Board has been directed to proceed with grassroots elections across counties as part of a broader effort to enhance the party’s governance and operational efficiency.
As the party navigates this internal conflict, the outcome of Malala’s legal challenge and the ongoing adjustments within UDA remain closely watched by political observers and stakeholders.
