Under Siege: Malala and Gachagua Face Turmoil in UDA’s Power Struggle

Cleophas Malala and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are facing significant challenges within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.

Recent events have highlighted the escalating power struggles and internal conflicts threatening their positions.

Malala’s attempt to postpone grassroots elections was swiftly dismissed, highlighting his tenuous authority.

Meanwhile, Gachagua’s growing insecurity and accusations against President Ruto’s allies underscore the party’s deepening rifts.

As UDA grapples with these issues, the futures of Malala and Gachagua hang in the balance.

Malala’s Authority Undermined

The UDA Party Election Board recently dismissed the party’s Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, statement regarding the postponement of grassroots elections in five counties.

Malala had announced the delay of elections in Nairobi, West Pokot, Narok, Busia, and Homa Bay, but his authority was quickly undermined.

UDA National Elections Board (NEB) chairperson Anthony Mwaura countered Malala’s notice, insisting that elections would proceed as planned.

Mwaura cited a ruling by the Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal that barred Malala from interfering with party elections, accusing him of overstepping his boundaries.

This direct rebuttal to Malala’s authority has significantly weakened his standing within the party.

Rift Between Malala and Senior Party Members

The friction does not stop with election scheduling. Just 48 hours before the NEB’s statement, Malala had issued warnings to UDA members Oscar Sudi, Kipchumba Murkomen, and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, urging them to stop disrespecting DP Rigathi Gachagua and the party leadership.

This move backfired spectacularly.

Oscar Sudi dismissed Malala’s warning via social media, referring to him derisively as an “elevated MCA.” Meanwhile, Governor Kahiga went a step further, calling for Malala’s ouster in the next party elections, further undermining Malala’s authority.

This open defiance from senior party members has exposed the deep-seated animosities and power struggles within UDA.

DP Gachagua’s Political Maneuvering

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been a pivotal figure in supporting Malala, is also facing his share of challenges.

Gachagua’s influence in the party, especially in Mt. Kenya, is being questioned. He has been funding Malala’s political activities in the Western region to counter Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of the Amani National Congress (ANC) Party.

This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to secure Gachagua’s political future amid fears that President William Ruto might favor Mudavadi as his successor in 2032.

Gachagua’s attempts to solidify his position as the Mt. Kenya kingpin are being undermined by key allies of President Ruto, such as Oscar Sudi.

These allies are reportedly fueling young politicians to challenge Gachagua’s authority as early as the 2027 elections, which would significantly weaken his influence in the 2032 succession politics.

Internal Strife and the Search for a New Political Home

The UDA is becoming increasingly fragmented. There are reports that Gachagua is considering forming a new political outfit and has begun reaching out to potential allies.

This move indicates his growing frustration and sense of isolation within UDA. Gachagua has accused some of President Ruto’s closest allies of being used to undermine his authority.

The Future of UDA

Amid these internal conflicts, the UDA faces a critical juncture. The public dismissal of Malala’s authority and the brewing dissent against Gachagua threaten to weaken the party’s cohesion.

Anthony Mwaura’s firm stance on continuing with the scheduled elections underscores the party’s intention to maintain order, but the underlying tensions suggest more significant issues at play.

Malala insists that the ruling party is intact and denies any cracks. However, the open calls for his removal and the disrespect shown to DP Gachagua tell a different story.

The UDA’s ability to manage these internal conflicts will be crucial in determining its future stability.

In conclusion, the internal strife within the UDA, characterized by the undermining of Cleophas Malala and Rigathi Gachagua, reflects deeper political machinations and power struggles.

The coming months will be critical in shaping its trajectory and maintaining its dominance in Kenya’s political landscape.