Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that he was not consulted prior to the removal of Cleopas Malala as Secretary General of the UDA party. During an interview with Agikuyu vernacular media stations on Sunday, the DP expressed that he was neither informed nor consulted about the decision to remove Malala from his position.
“Malala was ousted at 5 am from the ruling party. I was not called to the meeting that decided to remove him from his seat,” Gachagua said. He noted that his aides informed him about the meeting and the decision made during it. “This should not be happening because this is the ruling party,” he added.
He emphasized that such matters should be handled with respect and decorum, given that UDA is the ruling party.
“Let us maintain respect and decorum, as these issues can lead to more conflicts in the country. We already have people battling against the Presidency, others regarding the finance bill, and now we want to create discord within the party. Let us calm down and avoid instigating further battles because we already have enough on our plate.”
Gachagua urged President William Ruto to work towards uniting all factions, including himself, the party, and other leaders, for the nation’s development.
This statement follows the party’s announcement on Friday that its top organ had resolved to remove Malala from the Secretary General position.
The party indicated that, upon consultation, the position would be temporarily filled by Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar. The changes are effective immediately, as stated by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
“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 Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked,” the party said.
Malala was appointed acting UDA Secretary General in February 2023.
