Piece by: BRIAN ORUTA

06 August 2024

• This follows the removal of Cleophas Malala who was appointed to the role, in acting capacity in February 2023.

The Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu has confirmed Hassan Omar's appointment as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General.

This follows the removal of Cleophas Malala who was appointed to the role, in an acting capacity in February 2023.

In a letter seen by Mpasho, Nderitu said that she had received communication from the party on the effected changes.

She directed the party to hold elections within the next six months to have substantive officeholders.

Currently, all officeholders are on an acting basis.

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

"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," Nderitu said.

The Political Parties registrar further directed UDA 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 ruling party's National Executive Committee (NEC) on August 2, 2024 revoked Cleophas Malala's appointment as interim Secretary General.

The NEC said the changes are effective immediately.

"Upon wide and consultative deliberations, and in compliance and in accordance with 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," the party said.

The NEC meeting was chaired by the party's chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.

This followed an incident where some supporters of Cleophas Malala stormed the party offices on the same day.

The incident happened barely a day after another group of founding members announced the ‘ouster’ of Malala and declared Joe Khalende as the new SG.

Following the scuffle, party chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the NEC meeting would address the matter in detail and make a decision on the actions it will take in response to the incident.