MCAs Snub UDA Invitation To Meeting To Address Party Leadership Standoff

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a double blow in efforts to solve leadership wrangles at the Nairobi County Assembly which prompted the ruling party to make changes.

Nominated County Assembly Member Joyce Muthoni Kamau, who is also the Deputy Minority Whip, penned a letter to embattled UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, declining his invitation to a meeting on Thursday, October 26.

Malala had announced that the MCAs would have the final say regarding the leadership during the crisis meeting. He earlier noted that there were two factions which are embroiled in the leadership wrangles and that the matter would be addressed.

United Democratic Alliance headquarters in Kilimani, Nairobi dubbed 'Hustler Centre'. /FILE

He explained that last week, he received a complaint from a faction of the UDA MCAs who claimed that the embattled leadership led by Minority Leader Antony Kiragu and Minority Whip Mark Mugambi wanted to oust them.

"We find it in the best interest of our party, and in line with upholding our constitution, to respectfully decline the invitation to the proposed meeting. It is of paramount importance that we adhere to the laid-down procedures and principles in resolving disputes and ensuring party cohesion.

"We urge you, Hon. Secretary General, to consider the long-term implications of our actions on the unity, credibility, and future of our beloved party. Let us, in all our dealings, be guided by the values and principles that the UDA party stands for," the letter sent to Viral Tea read in part.

Muthoni accused Malala of calling another meeting to "resolve the issue" and possibly backtrack on the changes.

The ruling party named Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege as the Minority Leader replacing Antony Kiragu. Muthoni was named as the Minority Whip taking over from Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi.

The UDA Party also named Githurai MCA Deonysias Mwangi and Clay MCA Samora Mwaura as Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip respectively.

"Given that the matter is already under consideration by the political parties dispute tribunal, any such meeting would be in violation of the sub judice rule. It is a fundamental principle that we refrain from discussing ongoing cases outside the proper channels, to ensure fairness and the integrity of the adjudication process.

"Furthermore, as per the UDA Constitution Article 29.1.5, The Disciplinary Committee is mandated to handle all Party disputes. Considering your substantive membership in the National Executive Committee, which is the appellate body for the Disciplinary Committee's decisions, it would be a clear conflict of interest for you to be involved in preliminary dispute resolutions," added the letter.

Muthoni went on to accuse Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja of appointing members of rival political parties, such as Ibrahim Auma, Rosemary Kariuki, Michael Gumo, and Oscar Omoke - all affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) - to key positions, terming it a gross violation of UDA party's principles and the constitution.

According to her, such actions raise legitimate questions regarding the governor's allegiance and fidelity to the ruling party.

Meanwhile, UDA suffered another blow after it was barred by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT)  from effecting the changes to the County Assembly leadership.

PPDT Chairperson Desma Nungo while issuing the orders on Tuesday, October 24 ruled that the President William Ruto-led party should not make any changes until a petition filed is heard and determined.

"Pending the inter-parties hearing and determination of this Application, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues an interim order restraining the 2nd Respondent from enforcing and/or affecting the decision of the 1st Respondent to remove the Complainants/Applicants as the Minority Leader and the Minority Chief Whip of the 1st Respondent," he directed.