Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has removed Cleophas Malala from his position as interim Secretary General, signalling a significant shift in the party’s leadership structure.
The decision was announced following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Friday. In a statement, the UDA said it had appointed Vice-Chairperson Hassan Omar Hassan to act as Secretary General on an interim basis, effective immediately.
“The National Executive Committee has determined to designate the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan to act as the Secretary General on interim basis,” the statement read. “The appointment of Hon Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked.”
The move comes amid what the party described as a need to “realign our policies and political guidance with the broader national political landscape and our collective aspirations.” The NEC, which is mandated to provide policies and political guidance to the party, cited its role in driving the UDA’s political agenda as a key factor in the decision.
The party also announced plans to implement “a raft of governing and administrative measures” aimed at accelerating its agenda and establishing “a distinctive path of inclusive, participative and consultative organisation.”
In addition to the leadership changes, the UDA addressed the ongoing grassroots elections within the party. The NEC has directed the National Elections Board to make “necessary adjustments” and continue with elections in the remaining counties as previously communicated.
“These elections will ultimately offer the members of the party an opportunity to choose their leaders from the polling centre all the way to the national level,” the statement explained.
The UDA, which forms the backbone of President William Ruto’s government, has faced internal challenges and external pressures in recent weeks. The party’s statement alluded to these issues, noting that the NEC meeting was convened “to discuss, deliberate and agree on the way forward based on the events of the last few days in the Party and fundamentally, the events of the last few weeks in our Country.”
