By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Even before dust settles down in the UDA party, a new controversy has emerged.
The latest issue is between UDA National Elections Board and its secretary General Cleophas Malala.
While Malala was on Thursday quoted indicating that West Pokot grassroots elections set for Friday, May 31, had been postponed, the board issued a statement stating the contrary.
A statement signed by board’s chairperson Anthony Mwaura indicates that the election is on as scheduled.
Mwaura further noted that elections is solely the mandate of the Elections Board and that the Secretary General has no role.
“Any notice purporting to address election matters is unlawful, without basis and is therefore null and voice,” Mwaura said.
The statement has been backed by digital strategist Dennis Itumbi.
Itumbi however said the difference in opinion between the two offices was a sign of democracy in UDA.
“Democract at UDA:The National Elections Board tells acting SG @Cleophasmalala that @UDAKenya elections have not been postponed, and they will go on, remind him he has no powers on matters elections in the party. Democracy at play,” he said in a post on X.
The latest matter piles pressure on Malala who is already under fire for his statement against several UDA leaders.
Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday, the former Kakamega Senator singled out two Cabinet Secretaries and three elected leaders for fueling discontent in the ruling party.
Most of the named leaders including CS Moses Kuria, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and MPs Oscar Sudi and Gathoni Wamuchomba have harshly hit back at the vocal SG.
Both President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have not issued their stand over the current situation in the party.