UDA party directed to hold elections after Malala's ouster

By Peter Ochieng

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has been directed to hold elections within 180 days, following the ouster of Cleophas Malala from the position of Secretary General (SG).

Malala's appointment as UDA SG was revoked last week, after lawyer Joe Khalende declared himself SG.

However, the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) appointed former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar the new SG, albeit in an acting capacity.

Ann Nderitu, registrar of political parties has since ratified the changes, confirming Omar's appointment as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General.

She urged the party to hold elections for new party officials within the next 6 months.

The UDA party was unveiled by William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua, now President and his deputy ahead of the 2022 polls.

Most of the officials are in office on an interim basis.

"The office also notes that most of the current UDA officials are holding positions on interim basis," said Nderitu.

"In line with good governance practices and the mandate of this office, the party is hereby directed to finalize the party elections as soon as practically possible but not later than a hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of this letter," she added.

Further, she directed the party to publish the change of SG in at least one daily newspaper, and its official website.

"Pursuant to Section 20 of the Political Parties Act, 2011 the party is guided to publish the change of the official in at least one daily newspaper having nationwide circulation and in the official party website and notify the office for further processing."

The party has already conducted grassroots elections in some parts of the country.