Cleophas Malala Ousted as UDA Secretary General Amidst Chaos
By Charity Chebusiri
Cleophas Malala’s tenure as the Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has come to an abrupt end following tumultuous scenes at the party’s headquarters.
On July 31, 2024, chaos erupted as party supporters stormed Hustler Plaza on Ngong Road, leading to a dramatic showdown within the party.
The upheaval was triggered by Joe Khalende’s unexpected declaration of himself as the new Secretary General. Khalende accused Malala of resigning from his position, a claim that set off a series of confrontations. During the fracas, Khalende was injured after being assaulted by unidentified thugs.
In response to the chaos, the UDA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) swiftly acted to restore order. On August 2, the NEC appointed Hassan Omar Hassan as the interim Secretary General. The party’s statement emphasized the NEC’s crucial role in shaping the party’s political agenda and maintaining governance during this transitional period.
The UDA noted that upcoming elections will offer members a chance to select their leaders from the grassroots level up to the national tier, underscoring the party’s commitment to democratic processes and stability.
As the party navigates through this turbulent period, all eyes will be on the forthcoming elections and the impact of these leadership changes on the UDA’s future trajectory.