Khalwale 'celebrates' Malala's ouster from UDA

By Peter Ochieng

Kakamega Senator Dr Bonny Khalalwe has welcomed Cleophas Malala’s ouster from United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership role with open arms.

Malala’s appointment as interim UDA Secretary General was revoked on Friday, during the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, the party’s vice chairperson was then announced as the interim SG.

“Hon. Hassan Omar takes over as the Secretary General on an interim basis. The appointment of Hon. Cleophas Malala as the interim Secretary General is revoked. These changes are effective immediately,” said the ruling party in a statement.

“Congratulations Sen. Omar Hassan on your assumption of office as the Secretary General of the United Alliance party following the removal of Cleophas Malala,” Khalwale shared on his social media platforms in response to the party statement.

From the look of things, Khalwale has never accepted the fact that Malala was endorsed by Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s top leadership to contest for the Kakamega County gubernatorial seat in 2022, as he was ‘relegated’ to the Senatorial race which he easily won.

ODM’s Fernades Barasa defeated Malala, formerly of the ANC party to win the gubernatorial race.

He was appointed UDA interim SG shortly after the 2022 polls, lengthening his ‘bad blood’ with the Bullfighter, as Khalwale is widely known in political circles.

This week, lawyer Joe Khalende stormed UDA part headquarters and declared himself Secretary General.

Cecily Mbarire, party chairperson and Embu governor ‘disowned’ Khalende, adding that the party has structures and that no one can just wake up and declare him/herself as the leader.

“Easy come, easy go,” Khalwale stated after Khalende’s declaration.

A day after the declaration, the self-proclaimed UDA SG got head injuries after being attacked by people believed to be Malala’s supporters, at the party headquarters.

Some leaders in Central Kenya, among them Nyeri governor Mutahi Kahiga had vowed to ensure Malala leaves the UDA SG position “faster than he got it.”