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President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has merged with Amani National Congress (ANC) to create the United Democratic Party.
Cecily Mbarire, UDA chairperson, announced that Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who was ANC’s leader, will take on the role of deputy party leader in the new formation. As a result, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will no longer serve as the deputy leader of the ruling party.
Mbarire also revealed that Kelvin Lunani, ANC’s former chair, will become the new party’s vice chair, and Omboko Milemba, the former ANC secretary general, will take on the role of deputy secretary general.
The merger was officially announced at an event held at State House, Nairobi, with President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in attendance. Mudavadi stepped down as ANC leader to make way for Timamy after joining the Kenya Kwanza government.
Mbarire expressed satisfaction with the completion of the merger process, acknowledging that it had faced several challenges and delays. She credited Deputy President Kindiki for helping to resolve these issues and push the process forward.
She also assured that the new party would be inclusive, welcoming all regions of the country. “We are no longer the party of shareholding. You do not need a certificate of shareholding to join the new formation. It represents a united Kenya,” she said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Mbarire confirmed the new party will undergo rebranding, incorporating ANC’s symbols, logos, and identity. She emphasized that ANC secretariat members would be part of the new structure, and a merger committee had been formed to integrate the two parties over the next 90 days.
The newly formed party will focus on promoting inclusivity, democracy, and strengthening its structure, with plans to recruit new members and expand its presence across the country.
