UDA Secretary General Demands Kipchumba Murkomen, Moses Kuria Step Down Over Political Interference

The ongoing political turmoil within President William Ruto’s administration has reached a new level of intensity.

Cleophas Malala, the Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has made an unprecedented demand for Cabinet Secretaries embroiled in the factional feud to step down. Specifically, Malala has called for the resignation of Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria if they continue to engage in political activities. The roots of this crisis can be traced to the ongoing tensions between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and some of President Ruto’s close allies.

Gachagua has accused certain individuals, believed to be Murkomen and Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, of instigating dissent against him in the Mt. Kenya region. Kuria, on the other hand, has been critical of Gachagua, further fueling the political rift. In a formal statement, Malala emphasizes that some Cabinet Secretaries have been flouting the law by engaging in political activities, rather than focusing on their primary responsibility of serving the people within their respective dockets. He urges Kuria to concentrate on his duties as the Public Service Cabinet Secretary and advises Murkomen to prioritize pressing issues within his ministry, particularly the restoration of roads damaged by recent floods.

Malala warns that failure to serve the people of Kenya could result in calls for their resignation from their positions. The Secretary-General also cautions against the growing factionalism within the ruling UDA party, identifying Sudi, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba as key players in this divisive behaviour. He emphasizes that such actions not only undermine the ruling party but also demonstrate disrespect for the party’s top leaders. He warns that disciplinary action could be taken against those who fail to change their ways.

Malala further urges young politicians within the UDA to halt their campaigns for the 2032 elections, suggesting that those in positions of power, such as Hon Oscar Sudi, should consider resigning and pursuing their political ambitions later. The political tensions within the Mt. Kenya region have escalated, with Gachagua warning that President Ruto’s allies are being used to undermine him, while his allies refuse to tolerate the siege of the Deputy President. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga warns that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation to the mountain could jeopardize the current support enjoyed by the individual in question, emphasizing the sacredness of loyalty to the mountain and the reason for its support of President Ruto.

In response to accusations of misconduct, Sudi declares that he can not be intimidated and that his actions are sanctioned by President Ruto himself. He further explains that he must continue to fulfil these actions throughout the country. The ongoing political disquiet within the Ruto administration has exposed deep divisions and factionalism, with Cabinet Secretaries and allies embroiled in a power struggle.