Former United Democratic Movement (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala has been invited join to the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K).
Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya, took to his social media and asked Malala and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa to join Eugene Wamalwa’s led party.
He further stated that DAP-K is currently the only standing political party in Western Kenya.
“I welcome you to the DAP-K party. This is the only now standing party in western Kenya ..usilie kama mimi niko hapa. Nitawapanga nyinyi wote ata (do not cry when am here, I will sort you out even) Rashid Echesa as the senior most young leader in western Kenya,” Salasya said.
On Friday, August 2, 2024, UDA resolved to remove Malala as the party’s Secretary General.
In a statement, the National Executive Committee (NEC) stated that upon consultation and consultative deliberations, the Party Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar will take over Malala’s position.
NEC further stated that Hassan Omar will act on an interim basis.
“In the meantime, upon wide and consultative deliberations, and in compliance and following its mandate under Article 8.2 of the Party Constitution, the National Executive Committee has determined to designate the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan, to act as the Secretary-General on an interim basis. The appointment of Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately,” the statement read in parts.
A section of UDA party members who call themselves ‘founding members’ came out On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to push for the removal of Malala as the Secretary-General.
Led by Lawyer Joe Khalende, the group accused Malala of sabotaging the party’s progress and the Broad-Based Government formed by the party leader.
“Malala is supporting the TAWE movement and agendas which contradict the ruling party, he has abdicated his role and duty as the SG of the ruling party, he has joined our opponents,” Khalende said.
“I Joe Khalende will be taking over as the SG of the UDA party. He has gone against our party leader he is at the forefront against the formation of a broad-based government and I am here to confirm that he is no longer the SG of the UDA party.”