Chaos Erupts at UDA Meeting in Mombasa as Rival Groups Clash
On Saturday, June 24, a United Democratic Movement (UDA) meeting in Mombasa descended into chaos as rival factions fought for control of the party’s regional offices.
After both leaders arrived with their supporters to attend the meeting organized by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, the meeting was cut short.
Before the chaos escalated into a full-blown crisis, security officers were required to intervene and disperse the rival groups. According to reports, prominent leaders at the event were escorted to safety as the two crowds clashed.
Malala confirmed that the warring factions marched to the meeting in the company of Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and his East Africa Legislative Assembly counterpart, Hassan Omar, following the restoration of peace. The latter also serves as vice chairman of the UDA.
“When we arrived, two factions were fighting over leadership. As a political party, we support democracy. Malala urged the pair to reconcile their differences by stating, “Let everyone campaign and bring people to the party.”
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“However, as a political party, we will be neutral in the selection of regional leaders. During grassroots elections, we will consider who recruited the most UDA members, he insisted.
However, he condemned both leaders and demanded that they respect the principles and ideologies of the UDA.
Malala vowed to call a meeting to discuss the power struggles between Mohamed, a former investigative journalist, and Hassan Omar, who served as senator of Mombasa from 2013 to 2017.
During a grassroots mobilization exercise on Saturday, June 3, the UDA Secretary-General also encountered a hostile crowd in Marsabit County.
Leadership disputes between two rival groups also contributed to the disorder. However, police officers were dispatched to restore order at the event.
Later, the youth jeered Malala, forcing the meeting to end prematurely.
Regarding this meeting, kindly move away. Malala pleaded with the residents, “We know that you Marsabit are a peaceful people.”
“I implore Marsabit leaders not to fight because the people have already elected you. As Secretary General of the Party, I will maintain neutrality. This issue of shouting will not assist any candidate,” he added as jeers drowned out his pleadings.
President William Ruto, leader of the UDA party, has not yet responded to the chaos that has derailed the grassroots mobilization exercise. Before the 2027 General Election, the UDA launched nationwide campaigns to increase their support.
Chaos Erupts at UDA Meeting in Mombasa as Rival Groups Clash
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