A faction of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) known as the UDA Founding Members Association has applauded the party’s decision to kick out the acting Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
The members, through its chairperson Joe Khalende, also welcomed the appointment of Hassan Omar as the interim SG as they demanded decisive action against those involved in recent violence at the party’s offices
“He is assured of our unequivocal support to support Party Leader President William Ruto to articulate his agenda of recalibrating the economy, uniting Kenya and delivering on his election pledges,” Khalende said in a statement.
During Tuesday’s fracas at the offices, Khalende sustained injuries after being roughed up by a group of political goons who invaded the offices.
“We demand swift and stern action against all the party officials that participated in orchestrating security breaches at the party, perpetrators of violence, saboteurs of Party’s agenda and mismanagement of party’s resources,” he stated.
He has simultaneously demanded a thorough audit of the staff and procurement processes done in the party's last two years under Malala’s reign.
The appointment of Malala was revoked Friday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) chaired by Cecily Mbarire.
"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, Hassan Omar Hassan to act as the Secretary-General on an interim basis,” read a statement from the party.
Malala has been the acting UDA secretary general since February 2023 having succeeded Veronica Maina who was nominated to the Senate.
"Resultantly, the party will be implementing a raft of governing and administrative measures to accelerate its agenda and to set forth a distinctive path of inclusive, participative and consultative organisation," UDA said.
With the new leadership at the helm of the party, Khalende said they expect meticulous and resumption of the stalled grassroots elections that will culminate into the election of substantive office bearers at all hierarchical levels.