UDA Faces Political Tension as Cleophas Malala Strives to Forge Party Unity
The leadership crisis within the UDA party in the Nairobi County Assembly is set to persist, as one of the opposing factions has declared their intention to skip a crisis meeting scheduled for Thursday.
On Tuesday, 26 members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) who are aligned with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) made it known that they would not be participating in a meeting organized by Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
In a statement released by Joyce Muthoni, the Deputy Minority Whip of the Nairobi County Assembly, the politicians conveyed to Malala their decision to boycott the meeting.
They cited what they perceived as a betrayal by the top party leadership as their reason for this action.
Muthoni stated in a letter to UDA SG Cleophas Malala, “Given that the matter is already under consideration by the political parties dispute tribunal, any such meeting would violate the sub judice rule.
“It is a fundamental principle that we refrain from discussing ongoing cases outside the proper channels, to ensure fairness and the integrity of the adjudication process.”
The MCAs pointed to Governor Johnson Sakaja as an example, accusing him of appointing members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to critical positions in his administration. In her letter, Muthoni asserted that Sakaja’s actions were a blatant breach of the party’s principles and the constitution.
Malala had announced on Monday that the party would hold a crisis meeting in the Nairobi County Assembly to address the disputes over leadership. This move came in the wake of a leadership struggle within the party, which is currently under review by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT).
Desma Nungo, the chairperson of the PPDT, issued orders on Monday restraining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from effecting any leadership changes in the Nairobi County Assembly until a hearing and determination were completed.
As per Malala’s announcement on Monday, Waithera Chege was to become the minority leader, with Deonysias Mwangi (Guthurai MCA) serving as the deputy. Additionally, MCA Umoja One, who held the position of Minority Whip, was to be succeeded by Nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni.
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UDA Faces Political Tension as Cleophas Malala Strives to Forge Party Unity
