The Amani National Congress (ANC) is set to merge with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), following a key meeting at State House, Nairobi.
This significant step was endorsed by ANC officials led by former party leader Musalia Mudavadi, now the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS, in their meeting with President Ruto.
ANC party leader Issa Timamy emphasized that the merger was timely and within the party’s constitutional provisions. “The Constitution of our party ANC permits us to merge with your party. The conversation therefore today is within our party rules. When we work together we become stronger; we then succeed in enabling an effective and stronger government and better governance ecosystem in Kenya,” he said.
Timamy proposed that the merger should occur through amalgamation, forming a new political party which all members would join. This approach, he stated, would provide legal protection for their respective memberships and particularly for their elected members in county assemblies and Parliament. He highlighted that the merger should not just be about uniting parties but also merging visions, aspirations, and futures to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous nation.
While acknowledging that change can be challenging and cause uncertainty, Timamy stressed the need to manage this change to better serve the people. Mudavadi encouraged ANC officials and members to support this larger formation, urging them to be politically wise.
Mudavadi, who resigned from ANC upon his appointment, explained that it was impractical for him to support candidates against the President. He pointed out the conflict of interest that would arise if he, as Prime Cabinet Secretary, sponsored candidates against the President who appointed him. Mudavadi stated that the logical course was to ensure mutual support between the President and the ANC.
He affirmed that this merger was not forced by President Ruto but was a result of ongoing conversations, asserting that the ANC is safer working with President Ruto than being independent. Mudavadi assured members that they were in safe hands with President Ruto and emphasized the importance of unity for political success.
President Ruto expressed his commitment to solidifying democracy in Kenya, highlighting the importance of strong political parties in achieving national unity and democratic governance. He advocated for political parties to evolve beyond being mere election vehicles and become key players in national cohesion and transformation.
