On Tuesday, 26 members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced their intention to skip a meeting called by Secretary General Cleophas Malala on Thursday, October 26.
In a statement issued by Nairobi County Assembly Deputy Minority Whip Joyce Muthoni, the politicians informed Malala that they would be skipping the meeting due to what they described as senior party leadership shortchanging them.
To support their point, the MCAs cited Governor Johnson Sakaja, whom they accused of appointing Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to key positions in his administration.
“We are writing in reference to the invitation to the meeting scheduled for this coming Thursday, purportedly to revisit the issues concerning the leadership of the Nairobi City County Assembly,” read part of the statement.
Muthoni claimed in the letter that Sakaja’s actions were a flagrant violation of the party’s principles and the constitution.
“Such actions raise legitimate questions regarding the Governor’s allegiance and fidelity to our party,” she added.
Among the politicians who signed the statement are several officials recently appointed by the Secretary-General to key positions within the party.
The politicians also cited leadership squabbles within the ruling party, which are still being resolved by the political party’s disputes tribunal, as another reason for their absence from the meeting.
They also stated that attending the Thursday meeting would be a violation of the sub judice rule, and that abstaining from the meeting would ensure fairness and integrity.
Furthermore, Muthoni explained that, according to UDA constitution Article 29.1.5, Malala’s participation in the meeting, where he is expected to resolve party disputes, would be a conflict of interest on his part.
“Given the above-stated reasons, we find it in the best interest of our party, and in line with upholding our constitution, to respectfully decline the invitation to the proposed meeting. It is of paramount importance that we adhere to the laid-down procedures and principles in resolving disputes and ensuring party cohesion,” read part of the statement.
