Cleophas Malala has suffered a significant political blow after the High Court upheld a Gazette notice that removed him from his position as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary-General. In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye quashed the decision of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which had temporarily reinstated Malala following his removal in August 2024.
The High Court emphasized that the Gazette notice, which officially communicated Malala’s ouster, remains valid and binding. “The first respondent’s appeal before the PPDT is hereby terminated and shall not proceed before the tribunal. Any orders previously issued in favour of the respondent are hereby vacated,” the court declared.
This decision marks the end of Malala’s attempt to regain his position through the PPDT. In a further blow to the former UDA Secretary-General, the court also nullified the entire proceedings before the PPDT, effectively closing any legal avenues that could challenge his removal through that forum.
The ruling cements the legitimacy of Hassan Omar as the new UDA Secretary-General. Omar, a former Mombasa Senator and a close ally of President William Ruto, is now set to lead the party as it prepares for future political contests. His appointment is seen as part of a broader restructuring of the party’s leadership, aligning it more closely with President Ruto’s strategic goals.
Malala’s ouster has sparked considerable debate, with supporters questioning the legality of the process. However, this latest court ruling firmly establishes the direction the party is taking under its current leadership. As UDA consolidates its leadership, the focus now shifts to how the party will maneuver in the upcoming political landscape, with Omar at the helm.
For Malala, this ruling is a significant setback, leaving his political future uncertain as he grapples with the fallout from this court decision.
