26 UDA MCAs Snub Malala’s Meeting: What’s Behind the Boycott?
Tuesday, 26 United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-affiliated Members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) announced their intention to skip a meeting convened by Secretary General Cleophas Malala for Thursday, October 26.
In a statement issued by Nairobi County Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Joyce Muthoni, the politicians informed Malala that they would not attend the meeting due to what they deemed to be unfair treatment by senior party leadership.
To illustrate their point, the MCAs cited Governor Johnson Sakaja, whom they accused of appointing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to critical administration positions.
“We are writing in reference to the invitation to the meeting scheduled for this coming Thursday, purportedly to revisit the issues concerning the leadership of the Nairobi City County Assembly,” read part of the statement.
Muthoni argued in the letter that Sakaja’s actions constituted a flagrant violation of the party’s principles and constitution.
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“Such actions raise legitimate questions regarding the Governor’s allegiance and fidelity to our party,” she added.
Among the politicians who signed the statement are a number of officials recently appointed to important positions within the party by the Secretary-General.
The politicians also cited ongoing leadership disputes within the ruling party, which are being addressed by the ruling party’s disputes tribunal, as another cause for their absence.
They added that attending the meeting on Thursday would be a violation of the sub judice rule, and that abstaining from the meeting would ensure fairness and integrity.
Further, Muthoni explained that according to Article 29.1.5 of the UDA constitution, Malala’s participation in the meeting, where he is expected to resolve party disputes, would constitute a conflict of interest.
“Given the above-stated reasons, we find it in the best interest of our party, and in line with upholding our constitution, to respectfully decline the invitation to the proposed meeting. It is of paramount importance that we adhere to the laid-down procedures and principles in resolving disputes and ensuring party cohesion,” read part of the statement.
26 UDA MCAs Snub Malala’s Meeting: What’s Behind the Boycott?