The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has reinstated Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala as the as Senate Deputy Minority Leader saying Malala’s removal was unprocedural.
The land mark ruling is seen as a blow to Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which had orchestrated Malala’s removal and replaced him with their senator.
The Senator on Friday, April 23, took to his social media to thanking his legal team led by Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi for their efforts.
“Landmark ruling at the Political Parties Disputes tribunal. special gratitude to the able counsels, led by LSK President, Nelson Havi for ably wading through the murky waters of my Unprocedural removal from the Office of the Deputy Minority Leader and prevailing upon the tribunal to grant conservatory Orders and reinstating me until the matter is heard and determined,” Malala said.
Malala was kicked out after senators allied to the now inactive National Super Alliance (NASA) which brought together ODM, Ford-K, Wiper party, and ANC convened to effect Malala’s removal after surviving several such attempts.
Malala’s position had been taken up by Kilifi senator Stewart Madzayo of ODM.
It is suspected that Malala’s perceived disrespect of the Orange movement as well as mischievous conduct in the recently held Matungu by-election sealed his fate.
In the by-election, Malala’s party Amani National Congress (ANC) won against Raila’s party ODM but the opposition party lamented the state helped ANC win.
The by-election was marred by ugly scenes.
However, former Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen who was austed a year ago due to his alleged alignments to DP William Ruto has advised Malala not to celebrate just yet..
The Elgeyo Marakwet senator instead urged Malala to wait for Senate speaker Ken Lusaka to affect the orders from the tribunal.
“I am waiting to see how (senate) Speaker Ken Lusaka will treat your case considering he ignored a similar order where Susan Kihika and I got from the same tribunal when we were illegally removed from office. One year later we are still awaiting a ruling from the Speaker on our removal,” Murkomen said.
