Cleophas Malala Runs To Court For An Attempt To Stop His Ouster From Ruto’s UDA
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has descended into further turmoil, with ousted Secretary General Cleophas Malala threatening legal action against the party’s Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire.
Malala’s decision could pave the way for a lengthy legal battle amidst fierce internal strife within the ruling party.
Statement
— United Democratic Alliance, UDA. (@UDAKenya) August 2, 2024
Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan takes over as the Secretary General on an interim basis.
The appointment of Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is revoked.
These changes are effective immediately. pic.twitter.com/0DihCuGCB8
The court ordered Malala to file the application and serve it within 14 days of Mbarire’s announcement of a meeting to resolve party issues.
“Responses be filed and served within 14 days from the date of receipt of responses,” directed Justice Mugambi.
On Thursday, Malala sought an urgent court order to prevent Mbarire and the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) from holding a meeting that could result in his formal removal from his position.
The embattled Secretary General claimed that the meeting scheduled for Friday, August 2, violates UDA’s internal regulations and is an attempt to remove him for unjust reasons.
“The court should issue a temporary injunction restraining the NEC from removing me from office or interfering with my duties as Secretary General pending the court’s decision on this matter,” Malala’s court application read.
Malala’s legal challenge follows recent developments within the party, including a dramatic standoff at the UDA headquarters on Tuesday.
Hassan Omar is currently occupying UDA headquarters! Cleophas Malala too is planning to occupy in the afternoon! Issa drama! It is boiling nicely!#NaneNane pic.twitter.com/nLM6AvNWOj
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) August 2, 2024
Joe Khalende, who has declared himself the new Secretary General, confronted Malala’s supporters, escalating the party’s internal conflict.
This incident highlights the depth of factionalism within the UDA.
Mbarire stated that the NEC meeting aims to address pressing internal issues, but specific resolutions have yet to be disclosed.
The chairperson defended the meeting as a necessary step toward resolving the party’s leadership issues.
However, Malala argued that Mbarire’s authority to call the NEC meeting is questionable.
He claims that under UDA’s constitution, only the Secretary-General, not the Chairperson, has the authority to call such a meeting.
This dispute has resulted in allegations that Mbarire’s actions are not only illegal but also part of a larger scheme to remove him from the party’s leadership.
In a dramatic turn of events, the NEC announced Friday morning that Hassan Omar, the party’s Vice Chairperson, will take over as Acting Secretary General.
The announcement came while Malala’s court application was still being processed, raising the legal and political stakes.
“The NEC has decided to appoint Hassan Omar as Acting Secretary General, effective immediately. Cleophas Malala’s position is hereby revoked,” the party’s statement read.
As the court prepares for a hearing on September 30, 2024, Malala’s legal team is requesting immediate relief to prevent further action by the NEC.
The outcome of the case will most likely have an impact not only on Malala’s future in UDA but also on the overall dynamics of the party’s leadership.
Cleophas Malala Runs To Court For An Attempt To Stop His Ouster From Ruto’s UDA
