UDA makes leadership changes
UDA makes leadership changes
A few weeks before the scheduled December party elections, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced changes to its leadership in the Nairobi County Assembly. Despite calls for his dismissal from certain party members, embattled UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala announced the changes on Monday.
Insiders allege that there is a rift between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, which has caused internal strife inside the UDA, which is a member of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“Pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of standing orders no 21 of the Nairobi County Assembly, the party appoints South B MCA Waithera Chege as Minority leader replacing Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu,” Malala said in her letter. Githurai MCA Deonysias Mwangi will serve as the South B MCA’s replacement. Waithera praised the party’s leadership, including President Ruto, in a statement to the source for the chance to fill the new position.
“I swear not to disappoint our members. I’ll collaborate with everyone, even those who were recently replaced. I believe in having a common goal. We need to regain the Assembly’s trust in the party’s leadership, she said.
With the new adjustments, the party replaced nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni with Mark Mugambi, MCA of Umoja One, as the Minority whip. Malala added in the letter that the modifications were decided upon during a meeting of the elected leaders of the ruling party in Nairobi. Samora Mwaura, a Claycity MCA, will now serve as the Nairobi County Assembly’s deputy minority whip.
“At the aforementioned meeting, it was decided to fire the minority whip and minority leader for the reasons outlined in the cited minutes. The signed attendance record of the honorable members, as well as copies of the aforementioned minutes, are enclosed, Malala said.
The action can be interpreted as a sign that the party is purging its ranks of disloyal supporters. As they attempt to build their grassroots in preparation for the 2027 elections, UDA and ODM have already scheduled party elections.
As the party’s senior leadership stamp authority, ODM has also ousted elected officials who had been cooperating with the government coalition. Minority leaders received a copy of the letter that was addressed to the County Assembly leadership.
