Malala Sues Cecily Mbarire: Court Date Set to Challenge UDA Ouster
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), under President William Ruto’s leadership, faces increased turmoil as ousted Secretary General Cleophas Malala has filed a lawsuit against the party’s Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire.
Malala’s legal action could lead to a lengthy court battle amidst ongoing internal conflict within the ruling party.
The legal move comes after Mbarire called a meeting to address party issues. The court has ordered Malala to serve the application within 14 days.
Justice Mugambi directed that responses must be filed and served within 14 days of receiving them.
On Thursday, Malala sought an urgent court order to block Mbarire and the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) from holding a scheduled meeting that might lead to his formal removal.
Malala, the beleaguered Secretary General, argued that the meeting, planned for Friday, August 2, breaches UDA’s internal rules and seems aimed at removing him unfairly.
Malala’s court filing requested a temporary injunction to prevent the NEC from dismissing him from office or interfering with his duties until the court makes a decision.
Malala’s legal challenge follows a tense standoff at UDA’s headquarters on Tuesday.
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Joe Khalende, who claims to be the new Secretary General, confronted Malala’s supporters, highlighting the deepening factionalism within the party.
Mbarire has claimed that the NEC meeting is intended to resolve urgent internal matters, though specific decisions remain undisclosed. She defended the meeting as essential to addressing leadership issues within the party.
Malala, however, disputes Mbarire’s authority to call the NEC meeting, arguing that only the Secretary-General has the constitutional right to do so.
This dispute has led to claims that Mbarire’s actions are both illegal and part of a broader attempt to marginalize him from the party leadership.
In a dramatic development, the NEC announced on Friday morning that Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar will act as Secretary General, effective immediately. This decision came while Malala’s court application was still under review, escalating the legal and political implications.
The party’s statement declared, “The NEC has appointed Hassan Omar as Acting Secretary General, effective immediately. Cleophas Malala’s position is hereby revoked.”
As the court is set to review the case on September 30, 2024, Malala’s legal team is seeking immediate relief to prevent further NEC actions. The outcome of this case will likely impact Malala’s role within UDA and affect the party’s leadership dynamics.
Malala Sues Cecily Mbarire: Court Date Set to Challenge UDA Ouster
