Mudavadi’s allies say ANC-UDA merger key to 2032 succession plan

The Amani National Congress (ANC) has described its decision to fold into President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as a strategic political move to ensure Musalia Mudavadi’s presidential bid gains momentum ahead of 2032.

During a meeting at the Bomas of Kenya, ANC Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy explained that the merger was not a sign of weakness but a well-calculated decision to strengthen their political future.

“Let me say this, we are taking this direction because our eyes are on 2032,” he said.

Mudavadi’s allies revealed that succession politics influenced their decision, explaining that ANC had entered into an agreement with UDA to support Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

In return, UDA would back Mudavadi’s presidential bid five years later.

Outgoing Secretary General and Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba admitted that the journey to 2032 would not be easy but maintained that merging with UDA would provide the necessary political advantage for Mudavadi.

“Our eyes are on 2032. The decision we have taken is because the road is bumpy. When you go there, do not be worried because we are eying 2032,” he told the National Delegates Conference.

Second term

Outgoing party chair Kelvin Lunani urged ANC delegates to align with UDA in campaigning for Ruto’s second term, arguing that a united front would solidify their influence in government.

“When we join hands, we become stronger. This merger will form government in 2027 and beyond,” he said.

Following the decision, ANC ratified the transfer of all its assets and liabilities to UDA, effectively dissolving the party into the ruling outfit.

Speaking at a press briefing at State House, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire confirmed that while the unified party would retain the UDA name for now, a rebranding process, including a name change, would take place in the future.

As part of the merger, UDA restructured its leadership to integrate ANC members. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy was appointed the second deputy party leader alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Additionally, former ANC chairman Kelvin Lunani now serves as UDA’s vice-chairperson, while Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba has taken up the role of deputy secretary-general.

Mbarire noted that further changes, including modifications to the party’s logo, were expected as part of the unification process. She insisted that the merger was meant to create an inclusive party that fosters unity and democracy.

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“Appreciating and reflecting on the shared and common ideals of the primacy of economic empowerment, peace, and development, the UDA party and the Amani National Congress have today merged as one known as the United Democratic Alliance Party that is also going to change the name,” Mbarire said.

“The party has incorporated ANC’s identity symbols in the logo, imagery, topography, and brand of the new merged party and shall resultantly undertake a myriad of other changes in the governance and operations of the party,” she added.

Mbarire further revealed that a merger committee had been formed to oversee the transition, with all activities expected to be completed within 90 days.

She also appeared to take a veiled swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, attributing the delayed merger to his past remarks on “shareholding” and “traps at State House.”

She, however, praised his successor, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, for helping facilitate the unification process.

“We are happy as the UDA party because we are finally finished with this process which began in 2023 but stalled because we had challenges and bottlenecks and mitego everywhere. But because of our new Deputy Party Leader, he opened up that process, took care of the mitegos, and made sure that we are here today,” Mbarire said.

She also emphasised that the newly formed party was open to all Kenyans and would no longer operate under a “shareholding” mentality.

“We are happy as UDA because we are no longer the party that locked out the rest of the nation. We are no longer the party of shareholding. You don’t need a certificate of shareholding to join this new formation; the new face is the face of a united Kenya where each person needs to be,” she added.