United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has made changes to its leadership in the Nairobi County Assembly, a few weeks before planned party elections slated for December.
Embattled UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala announced on Monday the changes, even as a section of the party members called for his ouster.
UDA, which is part of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition has been embroiled in internal wrangles as insiders claim that there is a rift between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
"Pursuant to and in accordance with provisions of standing orders no 21 of the Nairobi County Assembly, the party appoints South B MCA Waithera Chege as Minority leader replacing Waithaka MCA Antony Kiragu," Malala stated in a letter.
The South B MCA will be deputised by Githurai MCA Deonysias Mwangi.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Waithera thanked he party leadership including President Ruto for the opportunity to serve in the new role.
"I promise not to let down our members. I will work with everyone including those who have just been replaced. I believe in unity of purpose. We must restore confidence in the leadership of the party in the Assembly," she stated.
In the new changes, the party has kicked out Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi as the Minority whip with nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni.
In the letter, Malala noted that the changes were arrived at in a meeting held by the ruling party's elected leaders in Nairobi
Claycity MCA Samora Mwaura will now be the deputy minority whip at the Nairobi County Assembly.
"In the said meeting it was resolved that the minority leader and the minority whip be removed for reasons contained in the referred minutes. We enclose herewith copies of the said minutes and the signed attendance record of the honourable members," Malala remarked.
The move could be seen as an indication that the party could be weeding off members who are not loyal to the party.
Already, UDA and ODM have lined up party elections as they move to strengthen their grassroots in readiness for the 2027 elections.
ODM has also ejected elected leaders who have been working with the ruling coalition as the party's top leadership stamp authority.
The letter was written to the County Assembly leadership and copied to minority leaders.
Nairobi County Speaker Ken Ng'ondi will now pass the message to the assembly on Tuesday at a meeting.
