Cleophas Malala dumps Musalia Mudavadi for Ruto
Cleophas Malala has formally dumped premier Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for President William Ruto.
The youthful politician was on February 27, 2023, elected United Democratic Alliance (UDA) interim Secretary-General, taking over from nominated Senator Veronica Maina. President Ruto is UDA’s party leader.
Cecily Mbarire replaces Johnston Muthama as chairman of the ruling political outfit seeks to rebrand and strengthen its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 polls.
Also, EALA MP Omar Hassan takes over as the UDA vice-Chairman replacing Kipruto arap Kirwa while Kitutu Chache North lawmaker Japheth Nyakundi replaces Omigo Magara as the Treasurer.
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka is the new Party Organising Secretary replacing Karisa Nzai.
The move comes a few months after Malala unsuccessfully contested for the Kakamega County gubernatorial seat on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket.
Formerly Kakamega Senator, Malala lost to Fernandes Barasa in the gubernatorial contest, gathering 159, 508 votes against the winners’ 192,929.
ANC is associated with Mudavadi who until recently was its party leader.
It is reported that Malala felt hard done by in ANC after missing out on an appointment as either a Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary.
Malala, also a former High School teacher and Member of County Assembly (MCA) has been shortlisted for the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position but Nairobi News understands President Ruto will likely appoint Benjamin Washiali over him from Kakamega.
Sources suggest Malala’s failure to land a top job in government could be because Mudavadi is yet to propose his name to President Ruto from ANC’s share of government.
The move by Malala to move to UDA comes amid reports of a fallout with Mudavadi.
The duo is, incidentally, from Western Kenya and Malala is reported to have played a huge role in the political alliance between President William Ruto and Mudavadi.
Incidentally, Ms Beatrice Inyangala, Malala’s running mate was recently appointed Principal Secretary State Department for Higher Education and Research.
Malala’s exit from ANC is a big blow to Mudavadi’s intent to wield support over Western Kenya and specifically the Luhya nation. It is also a boost for President Ruto as he intends to make political forays in Western Kenya, incidentally at Mudavadi’s expense.
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