Nairobi, Kenya – A dramatic turn of events unfolded on Ngong Road as supporters of Cleophas Malala, the current Secretary General (SG) of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), besieged the party headquarters. The incident left Joe Khalende, a self-declared SG of the party, injured.
The chaos erupted when a large group of Malala’s supporters arrived at the UDA HQ, allegedly to assert their leader’s authority and dispel Khalende’s claims. Video footage obtained by K47 Digital News and Citizen TV showed the supporters forcefully entering the premises, chanting slogans and carrying placards in support of Malala.
Joe Khalende, who has recently declared himself the new SG of the UDA party, was at the headquarters at the time. In the ensuing commotion, Khalende sustained injuries and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with party officials and security personnel struggling to control the crowd.
In a statement to the press shortly after the incident, Khalende remained defiant. “I am the legitimate Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance. This is a fight for the soul of our party, and I will not be intimidated by such actions,” he said, addressing reporters from his hospital bed.
Cleophas Malala, on the other hand, condemned the violence but maintained that he remains the rightful SG of the UDA. “We will not tolerate lawlessness within our party. While we respect everyone’s right to political expression, it must be done within the confines of the law. I urge all our supporters to remain calm and follow due process,” Malala stated during a press conference.
The incident highlights the deepening rift within the UDA party, which has been grappling with internal disputes and power struggles. Political analysts suggest that this conflict could have significant implications for the party’s future, particularly as it prepares for upcoming elections.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, with Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirming that several individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that such incidents do not recur. Political differences should be resolved peacefully and within the framework of the law,” Bungei said.
As the dust settles, the UDA party faces the challenge of addressing the internal divisions that have come to the fore. Party members and supporters are calling for dialogue and reconciliation to restore unity and focus on their political agenda.
The events on Ngong Road serve as a stark reminder of the volatility within Kenya’s political landscape, where power struggles and factionalism continue to shape the dynamics of major parties. The coming days will be crucial for the UDA as it navigates this period of turmoil and seeks to stabilize its leadership structure.
