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The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary General Cleophas Malala Wednesday issued a stern warning to some of the party’s prominent leaders, condemning what he described as “blatant disrespect to the party leadership.”
Malala, speaking soon after his return from China with a UDA delegation, addressed a troubling pattern of indiscipline within the party, including actions directed at President William Ruto. He singled out public statements made by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga as examples of this growing disregard.
“Your recent conduct not only undermines the party’s unity but also disrespects the leadership that you pledged to serve,” Malala stated. “Let this be a stern warning: desist from such actions with immediate effect. Should this behavior persist, the party will take disciplinary action against you.”
Malala also rebuked Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for their involvement in political activities, which he said violates the law requiring them to remain apolitical. He urged CS Kuria to operate strictly within his constitutional mandate and warned, “should you wish to engage in politics, you are welcome to resign and join the political arena.” Similarly, he advised CS Murkomen to focus on addressing the pressing issues in his ministry, such as repairing roads damaged by recent floods, or to resign if he wishes to pursue a political career.
Furthermore, Malala addressed younger politicians within the UDA who have prematurely begun their campaigns for the 2032 elections. “Your current mandate is to serve your constituents,” he stated.
This stern address comes in the wake of a week-long tussle among leaders in the ruling party, following rumors that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s political alliance with President Ruto is weakening. Speculations about cracks within the ruling regime prompted Gachagua to assert his stance during an event in Uasin Gishu County. An irate Gachagua warned against interference from a section of the president’s allies and insisted that they should refrain from meddling in the political affairs of the Mt. Kenya region.
“President Ruto’s allies working against him are now proud,” Gachagua said. “They should look back on how the Mount Kenya region supported President Ruto’s presidential bid.”
In response to Gachagua’s comments, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, reacting with defiance, stated that his political movements could not be controlled. “You cannot control where I go. If we all stayed in our respective constituencies, we would not be in government. I am not someone you can threaten,” Sudi said, and pledged to continue holding fundraisers for churches across the country, a tradition he said he inherited from President Ruto when he was deputy president.
Sudi also responded to Malala’s statement on social media with contempt saying, (Malala is an) “Elavated MCA suffering from illusory superiority, thinking he matches Raphael Tuju’s calibre.”
Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok sharply criticized Sudi’s behaviour. Barchok accused Sudi of bringing shame to the government and disrespecting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Addressing the media Monday, Governor Barchok stressed the importance of respecting DP Gachagua, especially because of his pivotal support for President William Ruto during the last elections. “We will not allow a few people to bring shame to our government, our president, and deputy president,” Barchok said. He urged the people of Rift Valley and the Mt Kenya region to show due respect to Gachagua, who he described as a senior leader deserving of reverence.
Barchok condemned the public altercation involving Sudi and Gachagua, noting that there are more appropriate ways to address grievances. “If there are issues, they should be resolved respectfully and not aired out at public rallies,” he stated.
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