Political Parties Dispute Tribunal Stops UDA Leadership Changes
Tuesday, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) prohibited the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from altering its leadership in the Nairobi County Assembly.
Desma Nungo, chairman of the PPDT, issued the order prohibiting the party from implementing the modifications until a case challenging them has been heard and decided.
“Pending the inter-partes hearing and determination of this Application, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues an interim order restraining the 2nd Respondent from enforcing and/or affecting the decision of the 1st Respondent to remove the Complainants/Applicants as the Minority Leader and the Minority Chief Whip of the 1st Respondent,” the Tribunal said in its ruling.
In addition, PPTD instructed interested parties to submit their responses within seven days of the ruling.
The court also ordered the party not to interfere with the status, privileges, and personnel assigned to the two leaders.
The party announced changes to its leadership in the Assembly on Monday, even as the political formation continues to struggle to dispel rumors of internal strife. Insiders assert that President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, are at odds.
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The party announced the appointment of South B MCA Waithera Chege as Minority leader, replacing Antony Kiryagu of Waithaka.
The party also announced that Githurai MCA Deonysius Mwangi would serve as Chege’s replacement.
UDA also removed Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi from his position as Minority whip and replaced him with MCA Joyce Muthoni.
The two were dismissed from their positions by the party on October 23, 2023, as a result of resolutions passed by UDA MCAs.
Kiragu and Mugambi have been accused of ineffective leadership, which is uniting party members and prompting the party to remove them from their leadership positions.
Secretary-General Cleophas Malala stated in a statement that the changes are intended to unite the party and send it on the path to achieving its goals.
“In the said meeting, it was resolved that the minority leader and minority whip be removed for reasons contained in the referenced minute,” Malala stated on October 23, 2023.
Political Parties Dispute Tribunal Stops UDA Leadership Changes