The recent unceremonious ouster of Cleophas Malala as the Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) casts a harsh light on a troubling trend in Kenyan politics: the precarious and often short-lived tenure of individuals in this powerful position.
Malala’s removal is part of a longstanding pattern in Kenyan political parties, where Secretary Generals frequently find themselves dismissed after serving as pivotal figures within their organizations.
Had Malala been more attuned to history, he might have anticipated his fate, which mirrors the dramatic downfalls of Secretary Generals from parties such as KANU, Ford Asili, Ford People, ODM, and Jubilee.
The script is eerily consistent: first, the party leadership accuses the official of mismanagement or sabotage, then they move swiftly to remove them.
Following a week of silence after his dismissal, Malala accused senior UDA leaders of conspiring against him to eventually unseat Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
“This coup was plotted and orchestrated by two senior party officials, Mrs. Cecily Mbarire and Mr. Kimani Ichung’wah, alongside others within the party secretariat,” Malala claimed.
He maintained that his removal was not due to incompetence but was part of a larger scheme to destabilize the party’s leadership.
His rise and fall in UDA was swift.
He secured the position of Secretary General on February 27, 2023, after the abrupt removal of Veronica Maina, whose ouster itself sparked outrage, particularly among political figures from Mt. Kenya. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga argued that the region was being shortchanged, as Maina had been given the role due to Central Kenya’s stake in President William Ruto’s administration.
Maina’s removal marked her second setback in Kenyan politics; she had previously been edged out of the Jubilee Party in the lead-up to the 2017 elections.
Her successor in Jubilee, Raphael Tuju, also faced a similar fate, resigning in February 2022 amidst claims of internal sabotage and mismanagement allegations from party officials aligned with then-Deputy President William Ruto.
The ODM party, one of Kenya’s oldest and most established opposition parties, has not been immune to these dynamics.
Current ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna took over after his predecessor, Ababu Namwamba, resigned, citing harassment and lack of support from party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM has seen other significant resignations, including that of Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who stepped down as Secretary General under pressure in 2014.
Wiper, another major political party, has also witnessed the dramatic resignation of its Secretary General, Hassan Omar, in 2017. Omar cited irreconcilable differences with party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unity in party leadership.
Even Kenya’s longest-serving Secretary General, Joseph Kamotho of KANU, was removed after 14 years, a victim of the party’s merger with the National Development Party under Raila Odinga’s leadership.
The role of the Secretary General has proven to be one of the most volatile positions in Kenyan politics. Political analyst Damsam Ouma notes that Secretary Generals are often the “attack dogs” of party leaders, used for their strategic value but discarded when they outlive their usefulness.
“Most of them are firebrand politicians, but when they become larger than life, a process to kick them out is initiated,” he observed.
The fate of party Secretary Generals in Kenya serves as a stark reminder of the fragile and often dangerous nature of power in the country’s political landscape.
Although Malala’s political future remains bleak, he is however filled with several possibilities:
Political Comeback: Malala could work on rebuilding his political career, either by attempting to regain influence within UDA or by aligning himself with another political party. His outspoken nature and experience in Kenyan politics may allow him to re-emerge in a different capacity, possibly aiming for a significant role in a regional or national election.
Alliance Formation: Malala might seek to form or join a coalition with other political figures who feel sidelined or marginalized within the current political landscape. Given his recent claims of conspiracy within UDA, he could rally support from those dissatisfied with the current leadership.
Public Advocacy or Civil Society: Another route for Malala could be transitioning into a role within civil society or as a public advocate. He could leverage his platform to champion issues related to governance, transparency, or political reform, thus maintaining his presence in the public eye without directly engaging in party politics.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence: Malala might choose to play a more strategic, behind-the-scenes role in Kenyan politics, offering his expertise and networks to other political leaders or movements. This could involve advising on political campaigns or policy initiatives, particularly in his home region of Western Kenya.
Legal or Political Battles: If Malala believes his ouster was unlawful or unjust, he could pursue legal action or engage in political battles to challenge the decision, either within the party structures or through public discourse.
In any case, Malala’s next steps will likely be influenced by the broader political dynamics, particularly as the country moves closer to future elections and as the political landscape continues to evolve.
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