'They aren't public officers,' UDA defends appointments of KRA boss, KPLC Chairperson

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has hit back at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for castigating its decision to appoint public officers to its ranks.

On Wednesday, ODM took issue with UDA's appointment of KRA boss Anthony Mwaura and KPLC Chairperson Joy Midivo KRA boss Anthony Mwaura and KPLC Chairperson Joy Midivo to lead its National Elections Board and Internal Dispute Resolution Committee respectively,  noting that the move contradicts  the Ethics and Integrity Act. 

In a rejoinder on Thursday, UDA Secretary General Cleophas asserted that Mwaura and Midivo do not fall under the definition of public officers as outlined by the Kenyan Constitution, further labeling ODM's assertions as unfounded and benighted.

"We are fully aware of the definitive provisions of the law on what and who constitutes a “Public Officer”. We are guided by judicial precedents and determinations that have found and held that Chairpersons of state corporations are not public officers within the definition of Article 260 of the Constitution," said Malala.

"Importantly, the requirement and qualification to be a chairperson under the law is that one must not be a Public Officer. Board Chairpersons are appointed by the President discretionally and are not remunerated as employees of the institutions that they Chair."

Malala similarly called out ODM for allegedly failing to uphold democratic principles within its organization, pointing out that the Raila Odinga-led faction allegedly only announced plans to conduct grassroots party elections after UDA did the same.

"The absence of grassroots election within the ODM party since its inception, close to 20 years ago, raises serious questions about its commitment to democratic processes," said Malala.  

The UDA Sec-Gen likewise asserted that ODM was meddling with its party affairs to divert attention away from its own internal issues.

"ODM as the opposition now lacks a political narrative hence the sudden attention to speak on the internal affairs of our party. It is evident that the ODM party is attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges by casting aspersions on the UDA party," said Malala.

"The nomination of their party leader, Raila Odinga, to the position of African Union Commission Chair has undoubtedly sparked internal wrangles and power struggles within the ODM party. Rather than addressing these issues head-on, they have chosen to engage in baseless accusations against our party."