Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera Mwinzangu has clarified that he was not a petitioner in the case filed by Kakamega Senator Khalwale against Cleophas Malala as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General (SG).
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, Senator Chimera disowned Khalwale’s petition filed before the UDA Dispute Resolution Committee revealing that he was not consulted by any petitioner.
“I wish to categorically state that I was not privy to the filing of the petition. I was never consulted by any of the petitioners nor was my consent sought to be listed as a petitioner.
The petitioners’ conduct is completely unacceptable, irresponsible, reprehensible, and not befitting of elected leaders,” read the statement in parts.
Moreover, the senator said that he does not support the petition seeking to eject Malala as UDA SG.
“For the record, I do not support the said petition and neither do I subscribe to the petitioners’ school of thought,” he said.
He also revealed that he has directed his lawyers to ensure that his name is removed from the list of Khalwale’s petitioners.
“Subsequently. I have, this morning, instructed my lawyers to move with speed and have my name struck out from the said ill-fated petition,” added Chimera.
In addition, he advised the petitioners to rethink their decision and withdraw the petition immediately.
“Finally, I call upon the petitioners to reconsider their decision and consult widely within the party, including with my party leader President William Ruto,” Chimera advised.
Also Read: Senator Khalwale Files Petition to Remove Malala from UDA Office
Khalwale vs Malala
In his petition, Khalwale accused Malala of being involved in what he termed unlawful appointment of the regional and county managers.
According to Khalwale the appointments were done non-competitively and without the knowledge of other party members who would have been more qualified than the appointees.
In addition, the Kakamega Senator accused Malala of overstepping his mandate and electing his friends, thereby compromising the National Elections board which is independent structure within the party.
“By overstepping his mandate and usurping the mandate of the National Elections Board, it is quite clear that the Respondent is bent on compromising the process by appointing his cronies and friends as election management officials,” the petition reads in part.
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Khalwale said some of the appointees such as the ones for the Western Region, Nairobi and Vihiga were based on the previous relationship between Malala and the appointees.
Also, AKhalwale said that by being a contestant in the UDA party grassroot elections scheduled for December, Malala is biased in his appointments.
“The Respondent is a contestant in the forthcoming grassroots elections and is therefore in a conflict of interest by his appointment of the said managers,” he argued.
For this reason, Khalwale suggested that the National Elections Board be the only organ that makes announcements related to the preparations for the forthcoming grassroots elections.
