After both leaders and their followers arrived to take part in the grassroots mobilization activity that UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala had organized, the Chaos in UDA Mombasa meeting, had it adjourned.
Security personnel were had to step in to break up the conflicting factions before things got out of hand. According to reports, prominent figures who were present at the event were escorted to safety as the two crowds fought.
Malala verified the conflicting sides arrived at the meeting with Hassan Omar and MP Mohammed Ali of Nyali, both members of the East Africa Legislative Assembly, after the situation had calmed down. The latter also serves as vice chairman of the UDA.
“When we arrived, two factions were engaged in a leadership struggle. We support democracy as a party. Let everyone campaign and invite people to the event,” Malala advised the two, pleading for them to patch things up.
“However, while choosing regional leaders, the party will maintain neutrality. We would consider who obtained the most UDA membership registrations during the local elections,” he said.
He criticized both leaders, nevertheless, and urged them to adhere to the beliefs and principles of the UDA party. Malala committed to call a conference to discuss the power struggles between Hassan Omar, the former Mombasa senator from 2013 to 2017, and Mohamed, a former investigative journalist.
During a grassroots mobilization drill on Saturday, June 3, the UDA Secretary General ran into a hostile mob in Marsabit County.
Conflicts over leadership between two opposing groups also contributed to the pandemonium. However, a group of police officers were sent in to bring order to the situation.
Later, the young people began to jeer Malala, which caused the conference to conclude early.
“Please leave the room in consideration of this meeting, we know you Marsabit people are peaceful people.” Malala urged the locals.
“Please, Marsabit leaders, stop fighting among yourselves, the people have already chosen you. I shall be impartial because I am the Party Secretary General.” He said, “This issue of shouting will not help any candidate,” as the jeers drowned out his appeals.
