In a strategic move to strengthen their political foothold, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by President William Ruto, has officially merged with Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress (ANC). The announcement was made during a State House briefing on Friday, January 17, with UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor, Cecily Mbarire, unveiling the newly formed United Democratic Alliance Party.
The merger signifies a rebranding effort, as the new political entity will adopt ANC’s logos and colors, further cementing the expansion of UDA into the Western region. The integration, which has been in the works for several months, aims to strengthen the ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza, and broaden its reach across Kenya.
Key leadership appointments in the newly merged party include Issa Timami as Deputy Party Leader, Kelvin Lunani as Vice Chairman, and Omboko Milemba as Deputy Secretary General. ANC’s secretariat, including its directors and staff, will join forces with UDA to propel the new formation forward.
Governor Mbarire explained that the merger talks initially began in early 2023 but faced delays due to internal challenges within the ruling party. However, she credited the current Deputy Party Leader, Kithure Kindiki, for reigniting the process and overcoming the obstacles that had previously stalled the merger.
“This is not just the formation of a political party; it’s the realization of a united Kenya,” Mbarire stated, emphasizing the party’s commitment to inclusivity. The merger represents an effort to create a broader national movement, one that ensures no region is left behind.
To facilitate a smooth integration, a merger committee has been established with a 90-day deadline to finalize the process, which will include incorporating ANC's symbols, logos, and branding elements into the new party’s identity.
This move marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, with further discussions underway for potential mergers with other parties, such as FORD-Kenya, as UDA looks to consolidate its power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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