Joe Khalende: Self-declared Secretary General injured as chaos rock UDA headquarters

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party headquarters in Nairobi turned into a battle ground on Wednesday afternoon, after people alleged to be supporters of the embattled Secretary General (SG) Cleophas Malala stormed the offices.

“Bado mapambano! Bado mapambano!” they were heard shouting as all ‘hell-broke loose.’ Self-declared UDA SG lawyer Joe Khalende came out of the headquarters visibly injured on the head.

He had what appeared to be a deep cut on his forehead, as his white shirt was dotted with blood stains. He was rushed to hospital as police took control of the situation.

Embu governor Cecily Mbarire who doubles up as UDA chairperson condemned the incident.

“A group of political goons beat up Joe Khalende, causing him serious harm. We condemn the actions of those who mobilised to cause mayhem. The UDA party has clear structures; therefore, no individual is authorised to declare themselves as an official,” she said.

"Joe Khalende is not our Secretary General," she added.

The chaos came a day after lawyer Joe Khalende declared that he had taken over the position of SG from Malala, accusing the former Kakamega Senator of sabotage.

“Malala has abdicated his role and duty as the SG of the ruling party. The critical role of the SG of the UDA party is the spokesperson of the party; he communicates and initiates meetings on behalf of the party. Clearly, Malala has joined our opponents. He is supporting the Tawe movement and agendas which contradict the ruling party,” Khalende said.

“He has gone against our party leader…he is on 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.

Joe Khalende will be taking over as the SG of the UDA party," he declared.

The lawyer declared that once he fully takes over, UDA grassroots elections will go on as planned.

“Going forward, the grassroots elections will go on as planned, recruitment and rebranding will continue, and this is the best opportunity for us UDA members to extend an olive branch to our brothers In ODM and welcome them in government so that we build serikali pamoja and lift the lives of Kenyans in this broad-based government led by Ruto and Raila."

The lawyer referred to himself as one of UDA’s founding members.