UDA Warns Ousted Secretary General Malala Over Claims Involving Party Leaders

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has issued a stern warning to its recently ousted Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, urging him to desist from involving Party Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah in his political grievances. The ruling party responded sharply after Malala alleged that his removal was part of a larger scheme aimed at impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement released on Friday by Interim Secretary General Hassan Omar, UDA made it clear that Malala's removal was a unanimous decision by the Party's National Executive Committee (NEC), the same body that had appointed him in an acting capacity. The party condemned Malala's attempts to link his ouster to an alleged coup within the party, asserting that Mbarire, who is not a Member of Parliament, cannot sponsor an impeachment motion.

Malala's ouster, finalized on August 2, followed weeks of internal strife within UDA. Supporters linked to the former Kakamega Senator had even stormed the party's headquarters in a failed attempt to prevent his removal. The NEC ultimately replaced him with former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, who now serves as Interim Secretary General.

The UDA's statement highlights the intensifying power struggles within Kenya's ruling party, as internal divisions threaten to overshadow its leadership.