Registrar of Political Parties approves Hassan Omar's appointment as UDA SG

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has officially confirmed Hassan Omar as the new Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, replacing Cleophas Malala who was ousted from the position last week.

In a statement released on Monday, Political Parties Registrar Ann Nderitu called on the ruling party to complete its grassroots elections.

"All grassroots elections should be completed within the next 180 days to address the issue of current officials serving on an interim basis," Nderitu said.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the UDA revoked Malala’s appointment last Friday as the Secretary-General and appointed Omar, who was the former Vice-Chairperson, as the new SG on an interim basis.

Accusations

Malala was ousted after a faction within the UDA demanded his removal, accusing him of undermining the party's progress and the coalition government formed by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Led by lawyer Joe Khalende, they alleged that Malala acted as a mole for the party's opponents, hampering its development and failing to manage party processes and grassroots elections effectively, which had previously been plagued by disorder and legal issues.

On Monday, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP began his duties by meeting with party directors to familiarise himself with the party's daily operations and receive updates on each directorate.

The directors present at the meeting included Emmanuel Kibett (Legal and Compliance), Joseph Mulili (Finance and Administration), Halakhe Waqo (SIG), Samuel Mwangi (Membership), Charles Matoke (Diaspora and Fundraising), Daniel Kiptoo (Programmes), Rob N Jillo (Communications), and Grace Gicovi (Logistics).

The National Elections Board had been urged by the NEC to make necessary adjustments and continue with the elections in the rest of the counties.