The Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, has confirmed the appointment of Hassan Omar as the new Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This change follows the removal of Cleophas Malala, who had been serving in an acting capacity since February 2023.
Nderitu indicated that she had received official communication from the party regarding these changes. She directed the UDA to conduct elections within the next six months to establish substantive officeholders, noting that currently, all officials are serving on an interim basis. “The office also acknowledges that most of the current UDA officials are holding positions on an interim basis,” she stated.
“In line with good governance practices and the mandate of this office, the party is hereby directed to finalize the party elections as soon as practically possible but not later than a hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of this letter,” Nderitu said.
The Political Parties registrar further directed UDA to publish the change of SG in at least one daily newspaper and its official website
“Pursuant to Section 20 of the Political Parties Act, 2011 the party is guided to publish the change of the official in at least one daily newspaper having nationwide circulation and in the official party website and notify the office for further processing.”
The ruling party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on August 2, 2024 revoked Cleophas Malala’s appointment as interim Secretary General.
The NEC said the changes are effective immediately.
“Upon wide and consultative deliberations, and in compliance and in accordance with its mandate under Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution, the National Executive Committee has determined to designate the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan to act as the Secretary General on an interim basis.
“The appointment of Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked,” the party said.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was chaired by the party’s chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. This meeting came after an incident in which some supporters of Cleophas Malala stormed the party offices on the same day. The disruption occurred just a day after another group of founding members announced Malala’s ‘ouster’ and declared Joe Khalende as the new Secretary General.
In response to the scuffle, party chairperson Cecily Mbarire stated that the NEC meeting would thoroughly address the matter and decide on the appropriate actions to take in response to the incident.
