By Kenn Okaka,
In the realm of Kenyan politics, few individuals have exhibited the level of dedication and drive that Cleophas Malala, the Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, has demonstrated. Since assuming office as the President’s party Chief Executive, Malala has embarked on an aggressive campaign to bolster the party’s membership nationwide.
Malala, the former Kakamega Senator, has tirelessly crisscrossed the country in a relentless effort to promote the UDA party. From Homabay to Kakamega, Embu to Isiolo, and numerous other regions, he has fervently embraced his role as the party’s leader. His objective is clear: to ensure that UDA, the party that propelled President William Ruto to office in the August 9th, 2022 general elections, becomes the largest political party in the nation.
With each passing month, Malala has welcomed prominent figures into the UDA party, thereby expanding its reach. The most recent addition is former Kesses constituency MP, Dr. Mishra Kiprop Swarup, who led a notable delegation of Kenyan Asian Community leaders in joining UDA. Driven by a shared vision for the country’s development agenda, Mishra, who ran on a Jubilee party ticket, acknowledged the UDA wave that swept across the nation and decided to mobilize support from the Indian community.
In his pursuit of building UDA into a formidable force, Malala has encountered no obstacles. His recruitment drive for the party has gained significant momentum, with the ambitious goal of enlisting over 15 million members. As the charismatic party Secretary General, he has announced that UDA, under his leadership at the secretariat, is determined to establish a firm presence at the grassroots level. Collaborating with party Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, as well as Vice Chairman Hassan Omar, the party’s leadership aims to achieve this remarkable membership milestone by 2027. Malala asserts, “We must win every election based on the strength of our party membership. As UDA, our target is to reach 15 million members by 2027.”
Malala’s relentless efforts have resulted in the UDA party welcoming several prominent figures into its fold. Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, former Laisamis MP Musa Arbelle, and former Marsabit senatorial aspirant Alice Kureya have all joined the party in a span of just one week. Alongside the national executive council, Malala has laid out a comprehensive strategy to solidify the party’s base throughout the country. His approach includes engaging in nationwide tours, passionately popularizing the party and spearheading the recruitment drive.
In conclusion, Cleophas Malala’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts as UDA Secretary General have laid a strong foundation for the party’s expansion. By focusing on grassroots engagement and prioritizing membership growth, he has positioned UDA as a formidable political force in Kenya. Malala’s charisma and leadership will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future trajectory of the party. As UDA continues to gain momentum, it is clear that the party’s ambitions extend far beyond electoral victories—they seek to leave an indelible mark on Kenya’s political landscape.
Kenn Okaka is a media and communications expert
