In Summary:
- Mudavadi announces ANC’s merger discussions with UDA.
- The merger aims for political stability and future alignment.
President William Ruto (left) and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi. FILE PHOTO.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced on Saturday that his party, the Amani National Congress (ANC), is in merger discussions with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Speaking at his home in Kakamega County on Sunday, he explained that this move is motivated by the need for political stability and future planning.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, assured Kenyans that they should not be surprised by the merger, noting that political parties frequently form coalitions.
“Azimio and Kenya Kwanza are coalitions of parties, and merger talks are not unusual,” he said.
“There are talks about a merger, which is permitted by the Political Parties Act,” he stated, emphasizing that the law allows parties to unite for the common good.
Addressing ANC supporters who were skeptical about the merger, Mudavadi reminded them of their initial doubts about his role in the government when he became a founding member of Kenya Kwanza in 2022.
Although he did not confirm whether the merged entity would adopt a new name or if ANC would operate under UDA, Mudavadi indicated that the merger is part of future political plans.
“So when I tell you ANC is in talks for a merger, don’t think it’s something small; we are planning for the future,” he assured his supporters.
Mudavadi’s ANC, along with UDA and Ford Kenya, initially formed Kenya Kwanza, which later included other political parties.
However, he did not specify if Ford Kenya, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, would be part of the merger.
This announcement comes amid reported tensions within the ruling party, between supporters of President Ruto and those aligned with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.