Malala Suffers Blow As Court Upholds His Removal As UDA Party SG

Cleophas Malala has suffered a blow after the High Court upheld his removal as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General.

In a ruling on Monday, April 28, Justice Bahati Mwamuye quashed the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) decision that had reinstated Malala to the position and barred the Registrar of Political Parties from gazetting his replacement.

“An order is hereby issued quashing the directions and orders made on September 27, 2024, by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal and quashing any subsequent orders emanating from and or in furtherance of those proceedings,” Justice Mwamuye stated.

The High Court judge also nullified the entire proceeding before PPDT, meaning Malala’s appeal cannot be heard by the tribunal.

Malala was ousted as the UDA Secretary General on August 2, 2024 following a National Executive Committee meeting convened by UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire. 

The former Kakamega Senator was replaced by EALA Member of Parliament Hassan Omar in an acting capacity.

"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 Hon. Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is hereby revoked. These changes are effective immediately," the party said in a statement.

The President William Ruto-led party noted that Malala was removed legally and procedurally from the position, and the ouster was a collective decision by the NEC, which had appointed him. 

Following the ouster, Malala moved to the PPDT to challenge his removal as the UDA party SG.