The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced on Wednesday that a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would be held on Friday in response to the reported 'ouster' of the party's secretary-general, Cleophas Malala, on Tuesday. A group identifying themselves as 'founding members of UDA' forcibly entered the party's headquarters in Nairobi, accusing Malala of sabotaging the party and acting as a pawn for UDA’s opponents.
The group, led by Joe Khalende, declared him the new acting secretary-general, stating that Malala had been barred from performing any duties on behalf of the party.
Cecily Mbarire, UDA’s chairperson, addressed the media, describing an incident on Wednesday morning where a group of "political goons" attacked Khalende at the party headquarters, leaving him seriously injured. She condemned the violence and criticized the "mobilized mayhem" at the offices, which necessitated police intervention to restore order.
However, Mbarire also criticized Khalende's actions, emphasizing that UDA has a constitution and that no one can declare themselves an official of the party without following proper procedures. She stated that Friday’s NEC meeting would address the situation and determine the party's response.
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“The party will be back on track, and we will not tolerate such disruptions. We will take necessary actions on Friday after the NEC meeting,” Mbarire assured journalists.
Khalende’s group accused Malala of undermining UDA's progress and the broad-based government initiative recently announced by party leader President William Ruto and supported by opposition leader Raila Odinga, following nationwide anti-government protests. They claimed that all UDA organs were aware of Malala’s removal, which they alleged had been in the works "over the last few months."
