Former UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala has suffered another blow in his political battles after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) ordered him to pay Ksh.150,000 in legal costs to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The ruling comes in the wake of his failed legal attempt to overturn his removal from the powerful party position.

The tribunal’s decision, issued on Tuesday and certified by Deputy Registrar Lydiah Mbacho, affirmed that UDA had rightfully claimed the legal costs after prevailing in the case. Malala had moved to court after he was ousted from his post in August 2024, a position subsequently taken over by Hassan Omar with the backing of UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire.

Malala contested his removal, alleging that it was politically motivated. He claimed he was targeted for questioning the party’s direction and for pushing President William Ruto to fulfill promises made during the 2022 elections. He also accused top UDA officials, including Mbarire and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, of orchestrating the political downfall of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

However, the High Court dismissed Malala’s petition in January 2025, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruling that the replacement process was lawful and declaring that Malala was no longer Secretary-General.

Currently, Malala is serving as Deputy Party Leader of the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua. The DCP is shaping up to be a major opposition force as it prepares to challenge President Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election.

This latest ruling marks yet another chapter in the shifting dynamics of Kenya’s political landscape.