By REUBEN MUSONIK, TheDispatch.Digital
NAIROBI – In a dramatic turn of events, Cleophas Malala, has been ousted as the UDA Secretary-General, amid a larger plot aimed at undermining Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This move is seen as part of a strategy to eventually impeach Gachagua and position ODM for greater influence in the William Ruto government.
Malala, the immediate former Senator of Kakamega, has been perceived as an ally of Deputy President Gachagua. His removal is viewed as collateral damage in a brewing conflict between ODM’s top brass and Gachagua. ODM members, eyeing the Deputy President’s position, saw Malala as an obstacle to their ambitions.
This internal strife could lead to Gachagua’s impeachment, as President William Ruto seeks to consolidate his base. Recent shifts in loyalty from Mount Kenya, which overwhelmingly supported Ruto in the last election, to Gachagua have created tension. Gachagua has reportedly drifted from Ruto after being sidelined from lucrative government tender processes.
In the meantime, politicians from the Luhyia community have expressed feelings of betrayal and exclusion, as the new political dynamics seem to favour Raila Odinga’s ODM and Luo Nyanza at their expense.
The UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) cited Malala’s participation in a meeting of Western Kenyan politicians, convened by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, as grounds for his ouster. The Natembeya meeting aimed to discuss Luhyia politics and unity following the ODM-UDA deal in which four ODM politicians were nominated to join the Cabinet. Despite other notable politicians attending, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Malala was singled out for punishment.
Malala had secured a court order to stop the NEC meeting, but the committee convened regardless, resolving to replace him with former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, a long-time ally of President Ruto and former Wiper Party Secretary-General. This move signals shifting alliances in Mombasa, where Nyali MP Mohammed Ali faces challenges to his seat, potentially from the brother of newly appointed Mining CS and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. Joho has indicated his intent to leave ODM and join UDA with his supporters.
Sources spoke of an agreement within the party which indicates that Hassan Omar will run for the Mombasa Senate seat, allowing current Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, a Joho ally, to complete his terms. Joho is expected to leverage his wealth and influence to garner support for Ruto’s re-election bid, particularly as Mount Kenya voters drift away.
The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal issued an order barring the UDA NEC from meeting, but the committee proceeded regardless, resolving to oust Malala. Malala has filed a case in the High Court in Nairobi to block his removal, with Justice Lawrence Mugambi scheduling a hearing for September 30.