Why UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala Found Himself Under Siege
On Wednesday, a confrontation occurred at the Hustler Centre when supporters of Malala clashed with those advocating for his removal, prompting a police intervention.
The substantial police presence revealed the intense struggle for control within the UDA, amidst accusations that Malala’s removal was due to his support for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Though Malala was initially a loyalist to Ruto, he is reported to have shifted his allegiance during the escalating conflict between the president and his deputy.
According to Gossipa2z.com, Malala’s recent comments questioning President William Ruto’s Cabinet appointments were the tipping point that led to his current predicament.
Unexpectedly, Malala aligned himself with some Western Kenya politicians to advocate for what they called a new leadership era to advance the Luyha community’s interests.
Notably, the new Luyha unity initiative featured Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, a critic of key Western Kenya leaders cooperating with Ruto.
On Monday, Malala participated in the Mulembe People’s Assembly, Kakamega Edition, where he advocated for Luyha unity and called for an audit of national government projects in the region.
Malala demanded clarity on the region’s share in the newly formed broad-based government which included opposition figures.
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“We need to examine the development allocation for Western in the current budget. We seek accountable leadership,” Malala stated.
Although some MPs associated with Raila Odinga’s ODM had initially confirmed their attendance, they eventually avoided the event, which was also attended by former CS Rashid Echesa amid anti-government sentiments.
Malala’s comments reportedly angered senior UDA officials, leading to a long-anticipated plan to remove him as secretary general.
These remarks, along with accusations of his alleged collaboration with anti-Ruto forces, have led to speculation that Malala’s position is precarious and he might soon be removed or resign.
However, before any removal can take place, the UDA Constitution mandates that party organs must ratify the decision.
Ahead of the People’s Assembly in Kakamega, Malala emphasized that Western leaders would meet to discuss their future direction and alliances.
“We aim to deliberate on our community’s path forward and our friends,” Malala said.
The move to oust Malala coincides with claims of a plot to impeach Gachagua, with some MPs already gathering signatures.
The DP is reportedly uncomfortable with the president, which has led Ruto to seek support from Raila in the national unity government.
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Two months prior, Malala faced another wave of internal party strife.
At that time, Malala encountered unusual resistance from within the party, with his juniors publicly contradicting him.
Malala faced intense criticism regarding the status of West Pokot’s constituency elections.
Despite Malala’s suspension announcement, National Election Board chairperson Anthony Mwaura rejected his communiqué, stating that Malala lacked the authority to suspend the elections.
“Reference is made to a notice by the acting secretary general purporting to postpone the ongoing elections in West Pokot,” Mwaura stated in a notice.
“Article 21 of the UDA constitution establishes the National Elections Board as an independent entity, not subject to directives from any party organ.”
Mwaura deemed the suspension notice unlawful and invalid.
Shortly after, the party’s Electoral and Nomination Resolution Committee chair, Adrian Kamotho, criticized Malala’s communiqué as ‘fake.’
“Our attention is drawn to a public notice by the acting secretary general of the UDA party purporting to reference an Order of the Electoral and Nomination Disputes Resolution Committee,” Kamotho said.
“The referenced order is fake and did not originate from ENRDC.”
Given these events, observers now believe that Malala, who progressed from County Assembly to the Senate and then to UDA’s top position, has lost Ruto’s confidence.
Feeling cornered and trying to salvage his position, Malala claimed in a video that the party’s Facebook page had been hacked. Mwaura’s announcement was made on the party’s Facebook page.
President Ruto’s digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, however, denied these claims, asserting that the UDA party’s social media pages are secure.
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“The United Democratic Alliance, @UDAKenya, Pages are safe across social media. Ignore anyone suggesting otherwise,” Itumbi tweeted.
The conflict arose following reports of a rift between Ruto and Gachagua within the ruling party.
In UDA circles, Malala is seen as a Gachagua ally, which has made him a target for pro-Ruto factions within the party.
These developments come months after UDA leaders confronted Malala following a disciplinary warning.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi harshly criticized UDA SG Malala, with Kahiga asserting that it is only a matter of time before Malala is removed.
“Ag SG Malala in UDA is like a square peg in a round hole. He doesn’t fit. I’ve said it before, and I repeat, we must remove him in the upcoming UDA elections,” said the Nyeri governor.
The leaders were responding to Malala’s warning about disrespect towards the presidency.
“I have been deeply concerned by reports of indiscipline among some elected leaders within our party,” Malala said in a stern statement.
Why UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala Found Himself Under Siege
