UDA ousts Malala as Secretary-General, Hassan Omar appointed in acting capacity

Cleophas Malala has been ousted from his role as Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) following a National Executive Committee meeting held on Friday.

In a statement, the party announced that Malala's removal came at the request of the Committee members and is effective immediately.

In the interim, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP and Vice-Chairperson Hassan Omar Hassan has been appointed to serve as acting Secretary General.

“Following extensive and consultative deliberations, and in compliance with Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution, the National Executive Committee has appointed Vice-Chairperson Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan to act as Secretary-General on an interim basis. The appointment of Hon. Cleophas Malala as Secretary General is revoked with immediate effect,” read the statement.

According to the party, they have held discussions to deliberate and agree on the way forward based on the events of the last few days in the Party and the events of the last few weeks in the Country.

The Committee added that it had directed the National Elections Board to make necessary adjustments and continue with the grassroots elections in the first phase, in the rest of the counties.

“We have noted the progressive continuation of our grassroots election in the first phase, and we have directed the National Elections Board to make necessary adjustments and continue with the elections in the rest of the counties as earlier communicated. These elections will ultimately offer the party members an opportunity to choose their leaders from the polling centre to the national level,” read the statement.

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP and Vice-Chairperson Hassan Omar Hassan. (Photo: X/Hassan Omar)

The Committee also emphasised that the party will be implementing a raft of governing and administrative measures to accelerate its agenda and set forth a distinctive path of inclusive, participative and consultative organisation.

“As the National Executive Committee, the Constitution of the Party mandates us to provide policies and political guidance to the Party. Over time, we must continually realign our policies and political guidance with the broader national political landscape and our collective aspirations. As the governing and policy-making organ of the Party, the NEC plays an essential role in driving the political agenda of the party,” read the statement.

Malala’s dismissal follows Tuesday’s ‘ouster’ drama where a group calling themselves 'founding members of UDA' stormed the ruling party's headquarters in Nairobi and accused him of sabotage and being a mule for the UDA’s opponents

The group’s leader Joe Khalende announced himself as the new acting SG and said Malala had been barred from carrying out any UDA function.

While addressing the media, UDA’s chairperson Cecily Mbarire said on Wednesday morning, a group of “political goons” showed up at the party headquarters and beat up Khalende. The group protested outside the premises and appeared to be Malala's supporters.

“He has been badly hurt,” she said while condemning the “mobilised mayhem” witnessed at the offices, which took the deployment of police officers to quell.

But Mbarire also condemned Khalende’s actions, stating that “UDA has a constitution. Somebody cannot come to the party and declare themselves an official of the party without following the laid down party procedures.”