On Friday, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) issued a strong rebuke to its former Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, warning him against involving the party’s Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire, and National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, in his political disputes.
In a statement signed by Interim Secretary General Hassan Omar, the party addressed allegations made by Malala the previous day. The UDA firmly stated that Malala’s removal from his position was both legal and procedurally correct, and emphasized that any further protests by Malala would be unwarranted.
“Malala’s removal was a decision made by the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), the same body that had initially appointed him in an acting capacity. The NEC, which appointed him, is also the body that decided to replace him,” the statement clarified.
The UDA also rejected Malala’s claims that his ousting was connected to a potential impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“We are deeply concerned by Malala’s attempts to link his removal with the alleged impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. It is unacceptable for him to involve the Party’s leadership and particularly to drag in Chairperson Governor Cecily Mbarire and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah,” the statement continued.
The UDA reminded Malala that Mbarire, not being a Member of Parliament, is ineligible to sponsor an impeachment motion.
Malala’s accusations on Thursday claimed that his removal was part of a scheme to facilitate Gachagua’s impeachment. He alleged during a live press conference that Mbarire and Ichung’wah orchestrated a “coup” within the party to undermine Gachagua.
Malala argued, “My removal was not due to any failure on my part but was a carefully planned move intended to lead to the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.”
Malala was removed from his position on August 2, following weeks of internal party conflict. Supporters of the former Kakamega Senator attempted to disrupt the proceedings at the party headquarters on Ngong Road, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Consequently, the UDA’s NEC appointed former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar as Interim Secretary General.
