Top UDA organ directs disciplinary committee to take action on defiant members

The party's National Executive Committee was chaired by President Ruto on Saturday.

In Summary

• According to secretary general Cleophas Malala, the NEC insisted that the the United Democratic Alliance party is founded on the basis of discipline.

• Malala said the directive is the result of recent exchanges that have been ongoing between members of the party and senior party officials.

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua during a UDA National Executive Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi on June 8, 2024.
President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua during a UDA National Executive Committee meeting at State House, Nairobi on June 8, 2024.
Image: HANDOUT

UDA's National Executive Committee now wants the party's Internal Disciplinary Committee to take action on defiant members.

The Committee was chaired by President William Ruto on Saturday, at State House Nairobi.

According to Secretary General Cleophas Malala, the NEC insisted that the United Democratic Alliance party is founded on the basis of discipline.

Malala said the directive is the result of recent exchanges that have been ongoing between members of the party and senior party officials.

"The NEC emphasised that discipline is the engine that oils the party," Malala said.

"This follows recent occurrences where party members violated election rules and regulations and instances where party members contradicted and or disrespected senior party officials on party positions, The NEC urged the Internal Disciplinary Committee to activate itself and address these issues promptly," he said.

The ongoing infighting within the ruling party has seen some members publicly exchange words with the secretary general and openly defying party directives.

This comes a few days after Malala warned a section of elected leaders to respect the presidency or they would face consequences.

Malala said he was deeply concerned by reports of indiscipline amongst a section of elected leaders in UDA.

He said the behaviour by leaders including MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri) and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga will not be tolerated in the party.

"My attention has been drawn to the fact that certain individuals continue to show blatant disrespect to the party leadership, including the Presidency. This behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the realms of our Party," he said.

Malala insisted that their actions result in not only undermining the party's unity but also disrespecting the leadership that you pledged to serve.

He added that should this behaviour continue, the party will be forced to take action.

The secretary-general also called out Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria (Public Service) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) for engaging in politics.

"It has come to my attention that some Cabinet Secretaries have been involving themselves in political activities, contrary to the law which requires them to remain apolitical," he said.

Malala went on to say that should the Cabinet Secretaries feel the need to engage in politics actively, they must resign from the public offices they hold.

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