Fracas at UDA offices over SG position

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala supporters chanting outside the party's headquarters in Nairobi. [Screengrab]

Advocate Joe Khalende was Wednesday injured following a confrontation at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party headquarters in Nairobi.

The incident occurred after tens of supporters of UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala stormed the offices, hours after Khalende declared himself the new Party Secretary General.

Videos obtained by The Standard show Khalende with a deep cut on his forehead and his clothes stained with blood. He received first aid at the scene.

Malala's supporters insisted that he remains UDA's Secretary General and rejected Khalende's claim of ouster.

In a quick rejoinder, the UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire has announced an urgent meeting of the National Executive Committee to discuss the issues at hand.

"We condemn the attack on Advocate Joe Khalende and also the group of political goons that have beaten up the gentleman," she said.

At the same time, Mbarire stressed that UDA has a constitution and clear party structures hence no individual is authorized to declare themselves an official.

On Tuesday, Khalende announced himself as the new SG, accusing Malala of undermining UDA's objectives and neglecting his responsibilities.

Malala, however, maintained that he remains in charge.