Malala, Mbarire Land New Jobs In UDA Party

Former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Malala will replace nominated Senator Veronica Maina at the helm of the party led by President William Ruto, the changes coming after the party held its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, February 27.

According to the party constitution, as Secretary General, Malala will be the party’s spokesperson and manager, reporting to various party organs. He will also call meetings, supervise policies and programs, write and present reports, and keep track of the party’s activities.

He will also be responsible for the party’s finances, seal, legal documents, nomination certificates, and communication, as well as any other duties delegated to him by the party constitution or the NEC.

He will serve as a secretary to the NDC, NGC, and National Executive Committee (NEC), implementing their decisions while also performing the duties and functions expected of a political party secretary-general.

Malala was also among the 224 candidates shortlisted for the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position by President Ruto, with his naming at the top post in the ruling outfit putting his chances of being a CAS at risk considering that one cannot serve a political party and the at the same time be in office.

He vied for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2022 general elections but lost to Fernandes Barasa.

As a member of the Amani National Congress, Malala was a vital cog in the formation of a political alliance between President Ruto and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi that brought about the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

"I want to thank my party leader for recognising my capabilities. I take over a party that has a very strong foundation, young but the biggest in Kenya.

"I thank my former party leader Mudavadi for his mentorship that has led to me being identified by this party (UDA)," he added.

At the same time, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire has been appointed the new party chairperson replacing Johnson Muthama, who resigned after he was nominated to become a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).

As the new chairperson, Mbarire is now responsible for leading the NEC, maintaining discipline and order in the party, providing policy guidance, and fostering unity and cooperation among party organs, officials and members.

She is also responsible for promoting and defending the party’s image, constitution, policies, interests, programmes and actions, performing duties and powers assigned by the constitution, and signing the party certificates of nomination and the party account.

Among other appointees include; EALA MP Omar Hassan who has replaced Kipruto arap Kirwa as Vice Chairman, and Japheth Nyakundi MP for Kitutu Chache North replaced Omingo Magara as Treasurer.

Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka has been appointed as the new Party Organising Secretary, succeeding Karisa Nzai.

A past UDA press briefing. /CITIZEN DIGITAL