President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has merged with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) to form the United Democratic Party (UDP).
UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire announced that Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who was ANC’s party leader, will be the new outfit’s deputy party leader.
She further announced that Kelvin Lunani, who was ANC’s chair will be United Democratic Party’s vice chair.
Mbarire added that Emuhaya Member of Parliament (MP) Omboko Milemba, who was ANC’s secretary general, will be the new party’s deputy secretary general.
In a press briefing at State House Nairobi on Friday, January 17, UDA chairperson Cecil Mbarire announced that the party would be rebranding following the merger.
She noted that changes would be made to the party logo among other brand identities of UDA.
“The United Democratic Alliance party and the Amani National Congress have today merged as one known as the United Democratic Alliance party which is also going to change its name in the branding.”
“The party has incorporated ANC’s identity symbols in the logo, imagery, and topography in the brand of the new party and shall resultantly make a myriad of changes in the governance and operations of the party.”
Mbarire also indicated that a team had already been formed a team assist with the merger set to be finalised within 90 days.
The Amani National Congress Party (ANC) officially approved a merger with the United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA).
This decision was reached during a high-profile meeting held in Lamu County, hosted by Governor Issa Timamy, the ANC Party Leader.
The meeting, which took place on August 3, 2024, brought together over 140 members of the Amani Council, alongside elected Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from the ANC. The gathering concluded with formal resolutions that align with the party’s constitution, paving the way for the merger between ANC and UDA.
Key Resolutions from the Meeting
Approval of the Merger: The Amani Council and other ANC Party organs unanimously agreed to the proposed merger with UDA, marking a historic moment in Kenya’s political landscape.
Implementation of the Merger: Governor Issa Timamy has been granted full authority to lead, coordinate, and oversee the successful implementation and completion of the merger. “Time is of the essence,” Timamy emphasized, underscoring the urgency and importance of the merger process.
Support for the Government: The ANC reaffirmed its unwavering support for President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Administration. The Amani Council’s resolution highlighted the party’s commitment to bolstering the government’s efforts in steering the country towards progress and stability.
Governor Timamy expressed strong confidence in the merger, stating, “This merger is a positive step forward for our country. It will help drive the nation toward the stability and progress we all need.”
The merger between ANC and UDA is expected to have a considerable impact on Kenya’s political landscape, strengthening the ruling coalition and enhancing its ability to govern effectively.