UDA founders demand Malala's expulsion

UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Founders of the United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) have petitioned for the suspension and expulsion of Cleophas Malala as the Secretary General of the party.

 The petition, addressed to the Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire, was penned by Joseph Wabwire, Advocate and Chairperson of the UDA Founding Members Association (UFMA).

 The petitioners expressed concerns about the unfolding political events and the direction the party was taking under Malala’s leadership.

 “UDA was founded to inaugurate a new brand of politics; the politics of inclusion united by the common goals and aspirations to prosper. The unity of vision, purpose and ambition,” Wabwire said in the petition.

 The petitioners accused Malala of openly defying the leadership of the party, spearheading division, nepotism, corruption and embezzlement of UDA Party funds.

  They also accuse Malala of gross violation of the provisions of the party’s Constitution, gross misconduct, questionable character and education background.

 The move comes after Malala returned from a trip to China on May 29 and fired a warning to some leaders drawn from the party over their recent conduct.

 In a statement, Malala noted that he was privy to a growing pattern of indiscipline within the party which has even been directed to President William Ruto.

 “Your recent conduct not only undermines the party’s unity but also disrespects the leadership that you pledged to serve,” Malala said.

 “Any attempts to disorient the UDA Party from the greater objectives is sufficient reason to sanction, punish and expel those who do that. In future, we shall recommend a formal leadership and orientation capacity building for new officials who join the Party to safeguard the integrity and eminence of the party,” Wabwire added.