Former UDA Secretary general Cleophas Malala has suffered a major political setback after the High Court upheld a Gazette notice dated 19th August 2024, that officially removed him from the position of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary-General.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye quashed an earlier decision by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) which had temporarily reinstated Malala to his former role. The court ruled that the Gazette notice effecting Malala’s removal 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 ruled.
In a further blow to Malala, Justice Mwamuye nullified the entire proceedings before the PPDT, effectively barring any future challenges against his ouster through that forum.
The High Court’s decision cements the appointment of Hassan Omar as the legitimate UDA Secretary-General. Omar, a former Mombasa Senator and a close ally of President William Ruto, is now expected to lead the party’s preparations for upcoming political contests.
Malala, who had contested the move as unlawful and politically motivated, now faces an uncertain political future following the court’s firm decision.