Silverio Omari
A faction of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), known as the UDA Founding Members Association, has commended the party’s decision to remove the acting Secretary General, Cleophas Malala.
In a statement delivered by the chairperson, Joe Khalende, the faction also expressed support for the appointment of Hassan Omar as the interim Secretary General. They called for decisive measures against those involved in the recent violence at the party’s offices.
Khalende assured Omar of their full support in advancing the party’s objectives, including economic reform, national unity, and fulfilling election promises made by President William Ruto.
Khalende was injured in the Tuesday altercation at the party offices, where he was assaulted by a group of individuals who had forcibly entered the premises.
The faction is calling for immediate and severe action against all party officials involved in security breaches, acts of violence, sabotage of the party’s agenda, and mismanagement of resources. They are also demanding a comprehensive audit of staff and procurement processes from the past two years under Malala’s leadership.
The decision to remove Malala was made on Friday during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, chaired by Cecily Mbarire. According to a party statement, the NEC, after extensive consultation, decided to appoint Vice-Chairperson Hassan Omar as the interim Secretary General in accordance with Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution.
Malala, who had been acting as UDA Secretary General since February 2023, following Veronica Maina’s nomination to the Senate, has been replaced to facilitate new governance and administrative measures.
With the change in leadership, Khalende expects the party to resume grassroots elections and appoint substantive office bearers at all levels.
