The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has confirmed Hassan Omar as the new United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, following the removal of Cleophas Malala from the position.
In a statement on Monday, Political Parties Registrar Ann Nderitu urged the ruling party to complete its grassroots elections within 180 days to resolve the issue of current officials holding office on an interim basis. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) revoked Malala’s appointment as SG and appointed Omar, who was the Vice Chairperson, to serve as SG on an interim basis.
A faction of UDA members had called for Malala’s removal, accusing him of sabotaging the party’s progress and the broad-based government formed by party leader President William Ruto and his ODM counterpart Raila Odinga. Led by Lawyer Joe Khalende, they also accused Malala of being a mole for UDA’s opponents, aiming to undermine the party’s development. Additionally, they claimed Malala failed in his mandate to manage party processes and conduct grassroots elections, which have previously been marred by chaos and court orders.