Ex-Senator Cleophas Malala appointed UDA Secretary-General in new leadership changes
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, February 27, 2023
Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has been appointed Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in an acting capacity.
In leadership changes announced after the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, February 27, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah also named Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire as the new chairperson of the ruling party.
Malala, who has since resigned as a member of the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, takes over from nominated Senator Veronica Maina while Governor Mbarire replaces Johnson Muthama, who was recently fronted to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) as a member.
In the new changes, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Omar Hassan replaces Kipruto Arap Kirwa as Vice Chairman while Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi replaces Omingo Magara as National Treasurer.
Ichung’wah said the leaders will hold the positions in an interim capacity pending the party’s elections set for August this year.
“This party requires the services of a full-time secretary general, someone who will devote all his time and energy to the job,” the Kikuyu MP said.
“I know many may be asking why Veronica had to exit now but you all realise that Veronica is a nominated Senator and she is devoting a lot of her energy to the senate and we were deliberate to bring in Malala on a full-time basis in serving the party.
“As much as they come into the office on an interim basis we also intend to hold free fair and democratic elections right from the grassroots in our polling centres across the country later this year I believe in August. The actual date will be communicated,” he added.