The Mt Kenya Times 
UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire and the party's Secretary General Cleophas Malala addressing the media at party headquarters along Ngong road, Nairobi.
By Cynthia Masibo
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has sought to clear the air following a tumultuous two days marked by confusion and violence over the position of Secretary General.
This upheaval began when Joe Khalende stormed the party headquarters on Tuesday evening, declaring himself as the party’s new Secretary General, a move that escalated tensions and led to a violent confrontation.
Yesterday, UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire addressed the media to reaffirm the party’s commitment to its established structures and protocols.
Mbarire stressed that UDA operates under a strict constitution, and any appointments or declarations must adhere to these guidelines.
“UDA has a constitution, clear party structures, and organs within which decisions are made. Therefore, somebody cannot come and declare themselves an official of the party without following the laid-down party procedures,” Mbarire stated who is also the governor for Embu County.
The unexpected announcement quickly spread, causing confusion and unrest among party members and supporters.
Mbarire condemned Khalende’s unilateral declaration and the ensuing violence as she underscored the importance of following the party’s established procedures for resolving disputes and making official appointments.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the people who have been mobilized to come to the party to cause mayhem and hurt others. We are a party that believes in the rule of law, with very clear ways and means of dealing with conflict and do not in any way support what has happened today,” Mbarire said.
In the aftermath of the violence, the UDA leadership is focused on restoring order and unity within the party. Mbarire emphasized that the party’s strength lies in its adherence to the rule of law and its ability to manage conflicts through established mechanisms.
The incident has highlighted deep divisions within the party and raised concerns about its internal stability. As the UDA prepares for upcoming elections, maintaining a unified front will be crucial. Mbarire called for calm and urged all party members to resolve their grievances through the appropriate channels.
The UDA’s response to this incident will be closely watched as an indicator of its ability to manage internal conflicts and maintain stability. The party’s leadership is keen to ensure that similar disruptions do not occur in the future.
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of clear leadership structures and the necessity for all political parties to have robust mechanisms for conflict resolution.
The ability of the UDA to navigate this crisis and emerge stronger will be a critical test of its organizational strength and resilience.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Kenya designates JKIA Gate 16 for Ebola high-risk arrivals in sweeping border health overhaul
- Mbadi warns Kenya’s KSh3.6 trillion revenue target is out of reach
- Modern women are not falling out of love — they are falling into their senses
- The Chinese century: how Beijing is reshaping the world’s technology, industry and influence
- Omtatah petitions JSC to probe judges over Kenya-US health deal ruling
About the Author
