Cleopas Malala, the recently ousted Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has accused high-ranking party officials of plotting to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking to the press on Thursday, just two weeks after his abrupt removal from the position, Malala pointed fingers at Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, alleging that they orchestrated his downfall.
Malala described his removal as “illegal” and claimed it was part of a broader scheme to first eliminate him before moving to impeach Gachagua. He asserted that this “coup” was meticulously planned by Ichung’wa and Mbarire, who allegedly worked with other conspirators within the party.
“The plan to oust me was not about my competence or my ability to lead the UDA. It was a carefully scripted plot, aimed at eventually leading to the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” Malala stated.
The former Kakamega Senator suggested that his close working relationship with the deputy president had angered the duo, leading them to label him as an obstacle in their plans. Malala argued that his association with Gachagua made him a target in a scheme aimed at frustrating the deputy president’s political future.
“My close collaboration with the deputy president, who also serves as UDA’s deputy party leader, irritated them. When their efforts to turn me against him failed, I was seen as a hindrance to their conspiracy to impeach Rigathi Gachagua,” he added.
Malala further alleged that Ichung’wa and Mbarire were motivated by personal political ambitions in the Mt. Kenya region, with an eye on the 2027 and 2032 elections. He dismissed any speculation that President William Ruto or opposition members were behind the plot to remove Gachagua, insisting it was driven solely by the ambitions of the two officials.
“The impeachment plot has nothing to do with President William Ruto or any broader political agenda. It is purely about self-serving politics in the Mt. Kenya region, driven by Cecily Mbarire and Kimani Ichungwa, who want the deputy president out of their way to position themselves for future political gains,” Malala declared.
He also criticized his successor, Hassan Omar, labeling his appointment as unlawful and accusing him of being part of the conspiracy. Malala maintained that he had served the party with diligence and was removed without due process, in violation of the party’s constitution.
“My removal as UDA Secretary General was blatantly unlawful and violated both the party constitution and natural justice. I was not charged with any wrongdoing, nor was I given an opportunity to defend myself,” he emphasized. “The statement announcing my ouster wasn’t even signed or dated, highlighting the lack of any legitimate basis for my removal.”
Malala claimed to have a dossier of 18 allegations against Ichung’wa and Mbarire, one of which accuses them of forging signatures of the deputy president and himself to defraud the party. He promised to disclose further evidence in due course, including attempts by the duo to undermine and weaken the UDA party.
“I will soon reveal the remaining 17 issues, including documented evidence of efforts by these two, along with their accomplices, to defraud the party, forge signatures, and sabotage key party activities,” Malala warned.
