'Igwee igwee' chants welcome acting UDA SG Omar at party offices

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) acting Secretary General Hassan Omar has been received with cheers and dance at the Party Headquarters.

Waving tree branches, Omar's supporters chanted slogans in support of the interim SG.

"SG, SG... Igwee igwee," they cheered.

Earlier on Friday, there was a heavy presence of police officers following the revocation of Malala's appointment.

UDA party's National Executive Committee revoked the appointment of Cleophas Malala as its Secretary General, replacing him with Omar.

"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," a statement read in part.

The NEC meeting was chaired by the party's chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.

Malala was appointed acting UDA Secretary General in February 2023.

He replaced Veronica Maina who was nominated to the Senate.

The party has in the recent past experienced internal wars over the position. 

A section of UDA members have been calling for Malala's ouster. 

On Tuesday, lawyer Joe Khalende stormed the UDA party headquarters claiming to have taken over as SG.

Khalende also claimed that Malala has not been taking his duties as the SG seriously hence the need to replace him.

"He is against the formation of a broad-based government and I'm here to confirm that he is no longer the secretary general of the UDA party. I Joe Khalende will be taking over as the Secretary General of the UDA party," he said.

"Going forward, the UDA party is going back to its members. It was formed as a people-centred party, not on individuals within the party."

Chairperson Mbarire, however, dismissed Khalende's claims saying that UDA is a party that has structures guiding its operations.