The Secretary General of Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, Cleophas Malala, cracked the whip on rebels and politically active ministers on Wednesday, threatening disciplinary action if they failed to cease their indiscipline.
In a statement after returning from China, an irate Malala expressed grave concerns over a growing lack of respect towards the party’s leadership from certain elected UDA leaders and cabinet secretaries.
The UDA chief trained his guns on vocal MPs Gathoni Wa Muchomba (Githunguri), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) and Governor Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), accusing them of undermining party unity through their recent inflammatory statements and conduct towards the leadership.
“Your recent conduct not only undermines the party’s unity but also disrespects the leadership that you pledged to serve,” Malala admonished the trio. “Let this be a stern warning: desist from such actions with immediate effect. Should this behavior persist, the party will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against you.”
In an escalation of the intra-party tensions, Malala also took aim at Cabinet Secretaries Moses Kuria (Public Service, Gender & Affirmative Action) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Roads and Transport). He accused them of violating their constitutional mandate by engaging in overt political activities rather than focusing on their ministerial responsibilities.
“Hon. Moses Kuria, your primary responsibility is to serve the Kenyan people within your docket as a politically impartial public officer. Should you wish to return to active politics, I urge you to resign honorably from your cabinet position,” Malala stated.
He issued a similar challenge to Murkomen, saying: “Your focus should be on addressing the pressing issues in your ministry, particularly the reclamation of roads damaged by recent floods which have caused immense hardship. Serve diligently or step down and return to the political fray.”
The UDA Secretary General’s disciplinary warning extended to younger MPs who he accused of prematurely launching campaigns for the 2027 elections, distracting them from serving their constituents. “Your current mandate is to faithfully serve your constituents for this term. Early campaigning disrespects the democratic trust bestowed upon you,” he cautioned sternly.
Malala emphasized the ruling party would not tolerate any further indiscipline. “The importance of party unity, discipline and respect for the established hierarchy is sacrosanct if we are to keep delivering on our promises to Kenyans,” he asserted.
