Ruto party calls NEC meeting after bloody battles at head office

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala (left)) during a past presser. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

President William Ruto’s party, which once proclaimed it would lead Kenya for over a century, is on the rocks.

Wednesday, chaos reigned at the UDA headquarters after supporters of Secretary General Cleophas Malala clashed with those of Joe Khalende, who claims to have taken over the position.

Khalende, who had declared himself the acting Secretary General on Tuesday, had attempted to enter the party offices, only to stir a confrontation that left him injured.

Malala’s supporters, undeterred by the police presence, chanted slogans in support while waving “Bado mapambano” placards.

Malala has disowned a letter that had been going round the social media saying he had resigned.

“Ignore propaganda. The party is stable and focused on helping President William Ruto achieve his agenda for Kenya. Chama iko imara,” he posted on X. UDA chairperson, Cecily Mbarire, and other NEC officials condemned Khalende’s unilateral declaration and the subsequent violence. 

“He has been badly hurt. We strongly condemn the people who have been mobilised to cause mayhem and hurt others. We are a party that believes in the rule of law, with clear ways of dealing with conflict. What happened today is unacceptable,” she said.

Mbarire condemned Khalende’s action, saying the party had a constitution.

“Somebody cannot come to the party and declare themselves an official of the party without following the laid down party procedures.”

She said an emergency NEC meeting has been called tomorrow to address the matter.

Khalende has accused Malala of sabotaging the party and criticising President Ruto’s so-called broad-based government. He said the UDA Secretary General had been barred from carrying out his duties.

“Malala has gone against our party leader. He is on the forefront against the formation of a broad-based government,” he said.

Khalende’s faction, identifying themselves as the “founding members of UDA”, criticised Malala for allegedly neglecting his responsibilities and supporting the Tawe movement.

They also accused Malala of failing to manage party processes and conduct grassroots elections, leading to internal chaos and legal disputes.

“Moving forward, grassroots elections will proceed as planned. Our efforts to recruit and rebrand will continue. This is a crucial moment for us to extend a welcoming hand to our ODM counterparts and collaborate in building a united government,” he said.

However, sources told The Standard that the wrangles are linked to the plot to  impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.