Silverio Omari
Recent upheavals in the UDA party, sparked by an alleged coup at the Hustler Centre, have placed former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala under intense scrutiny.
For months, Malala, known for his controversial and outspoken nature, has been embroiled in a series of disputes within the ruling party, with critics aggressively calling for his removal.
Malala’s position as UDA Secretary General is now precariously balanced, despite his efforts to fend off rivals intent on displacing him. On Tuesday, Malala had to counter rumors of his resignation after a purported resignation letter attributed to him circulated on social media.
“Ignore propaganda. The party is stable and focused on helping President William Ruto achieve his agenda for Kenya. Chama iko Imara,” Malala stated on X.
The letter, which alleged his resignation following serious reflection on recent troubling developments, surfaced just after a faction of UDA members stormed the Hustler Centre, demanding Malala’s removal. Led by Advocate Joe Khalende, the group claimed to have replaced Malala with a lawyer, citing Malala’s opposition to President Ruto’s broad-based government as the reason for his ouster.
Khalende asserted, “He is against the formation of a broad-based government, and I, Joe Khalende, will be taking over as Secretary General of the UDA party.”
On Wednesday, tensions flared at the Hustler Centre as Malala’s supporters clashed with those backing his removal, prompting a significant police presence. This heightened security underscored the high-stakes struggle within UDA, fueled by claims that Malala’s allegiance to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua contributed to the conflict.
Initially a loyal supporter of Ruto, Malala is believed to have shifted his loyalty amidst the fallout between the president and his deputy. His recent comments challenging Ruto’s Cabinet nominations are seen as a pivotal moment leading to the current crisis.
In an unexpected move, Malala recently aligned with Western Kenyan politicians to advocate for a new leadership generation and regional unity. This effort, which included Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya—a known critic of some Western leaders collaborating with Ruto—further strained his position.
During the Mulembe People’s Assembly in Kakamega, Malala called for Luyha unity and demanded clarity on the region’s share of the national budget. His remarks, which criticized the government’s allocation of resources, further alienated him from UDA’s leadership.
The push to oust Malala also coincides with speculation about a possible impeachment of Gachagua, with some MPs reportedly collecting signatures. Gachagua’s unease with Ruto may have driven the president to seek unity with Raila Odinga.
Two months prior, Malala faced intense backlash over the status of constituency elections in West Pokot, with his announcement of a suspension being dismissed by the National Election Board and Electoral and Nomination Resolution Committee as invalid.
Despite Malala’s claims that the party’s social media was hacked, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi assured that the UDA’s social media pages were secure.
The turmoil in UDA reflects broader divisions within the party, with Malala viewed as aligned with Gachagua, making him a target for Ruto’s supporters. This conflict comes after previous clashes with UDA leaders, including harsh criticism from Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
Malala’s future remains uncertain, as the party must ratify any decision to formally remove him in accordance with its constitution.
