Ruto called on the members to focus on uniting Kenyans, adding that the petty leadership wrangles had led to the ruling party undermining peace.
President William Ruto, in his capacity as the party leader, called for members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to cease with the internal wrangles that culminated in the ouster of Cleophas Malala as the Secretary-General.
Speaking on the matter on Friday, August 2 in Tiaty, Baringo County, Ruto called on the members to focus on uniting Kenyans, adding that the petty leadership wrangles had led to the ruling party undermining peace.
“There is no need for petty competition. Even in our UDA party, Kenya Kwanza, I want to advise you to stop fighting and to stop competing within the party. Let us ensure that we unite all Kenyans to take the country forward,” he appealed.
Cleophas Malala with President William Ruto during a past campaign rally. /FILE
The wrangles began after lawyer Joe Khalende declared himself the Secretary-General leading to chaos when he was attacked and ejected in dramatic scenes at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi.
Earlier, Khalende commended the decision by the governing and policy-making organ of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to remove Malala from the party and congratulated interim Secretary General Hassan Omar on his new role.
“He is assured of our unequivocal support to support Party Leader President William Ruto to articulate his agenda of recalibrating the economy, uniting Kenya and delivering on his election pledges,” Khalende remarked in a statement.
“With the new leadership at the helm of the Party, we expect a meticulous resumption of the stalled grassroots elections that will culminate in the election of substantive office-bearers at all hierarchical levels.”
Equally, he demanded a thorough audit of the staff and procurement processes done in the party’s last two years under the reign of Malala.
“Consequently, we demand swift and stern action against all the party officials that participated in orchestrating security breaches at the party, perpetrators of violence, saboteurs of Party’s agenda and mismanagement of party’s resources,” he added.
Malala was removed from the UDA SG position on Friday during an NEC meeting that was convened by UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire. Viral Tea learnt that this meeting was carried out in the wee hours of the morning.
Malala has since moved to court against Mbarire, in what could start a legal showdown amidst wrangles rocking the ruling party.
