Cleophas Malala has experienced a setback after the High Court upheld a Gazette notice from August 19, 2024, which removed him from his position as Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye overturned the decision made by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which had temporarily reinstated Malala to the role.
The court made it clear that the Gazette notice, which formalized Malala’s removal, remains valid and legally 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,” ruled the court.
In a further blow to Malala, the High Court also nullified the entire proceedings before the PPDT, effectively closing the door on any attempt to challenge his ouster through that forum.
This decision cements the appointment of Hassan Omar as the legitimate UDA Secretary-General, consolidating the party leadership’s recent changes.
Omar, a former Mombasa Senator and a close ally of President William Ruto, is expected to steer the party as it prepares 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 decision.