The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by President William Ruto, is facing intensified turmoil as ousted Secretary General Cleophas Malala has launched legal action against the party’s Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire. Malala’s move could lead to a prolonged legal battle amid escalating internal strife within the ruling party.
This preemptive action follows Mbarire’s announcement of a meeting intended to resolve ongoing issues within the party. Justice Mugambi directed that responses be filed and served within 14 days of receipt.
On Thursday, Malala sought an urgent court order to prevent Mbarire and the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) from holding a scheduled meeting that could lead to his formal removal. The embattled Secretary General contended that the meeting, set for Friday, August 2, breaches UDA’s internal regulations and is an unjust attempt to oust him.
“The court should issue a temporary injunction restraining the NEC from removing me from office or interfering with my duties as Secretary General pending the court’s decision on this matter,” Malala’s court application read.
Malala’s legal challenge arises from recent developments within the party, including a dramatic confrontation at UDA’s headquarters on Tuesday. Joe Khalende, who has claimed the title of new Secretary General, confronted Malala’s supporters, further deepening the party’s internal conflict and highlighting the extent of factionalism within UDA.
Mbarire stated that the NEC meeting aims to address urgent internal issues, though specific resolutions have yet to be revealed. She defended the meeting as a necessary step to tackle the party’s leadership challenges.
However, Malala questioned Mbarire’s authority to convene the NEC meeting, asserting that only the Secretary General has the constitutional power to call such a gathering, not the Chairperson. This dispute has led to claims that Mbarire’s actions are not only unlawful but also part of a broader effort to marginalize him from the party’s leadership.
In a dramatic turn of events, the NEC announced on Friday morning that Hassan Omar, the party’s Vice Chairperson, would take on the role of Acting Secretary General. This announcement came while Malala’s court application was still being processed, raising the stakes both legally and politically.
“The NEC has decided to appoint Hassan Omar as Acting Secretary General, effective immediately. Cleophas Malala’s position is hereby revoked,” the party’s statement read.
As the court prepares for a mention on September 30, 2024, Malala’s legal team is pushing for immediate relief to prevent further action by the NEC. The case’s outcome will likely influence not only Malala’s future within UDA but also the broader dynamics of the party’s leadership.
