Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya to Ruto’s UDA: We will not fold despite the blackmail

In a hard-hitting statement, the party, through its Secretary-General John Chikati, Ford Kenya, said the demand by UDA is not only outrageous but a direct affront to the democratic space and an attempt to return the country to a single-party monolith.

The latest spat between UDA and Ford Kenya points to a simmering political fallout following the formation of the broad-based government with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a main partner.

“It is disheartening to witness a narrative that suggests that UDA has already secured the 2027 polls without the need for its partners. This posture is a blatant dismissal of the reality of the 2022 victory,” said Dr Chikati.

“FORD Kenya, alongside other affiliate parties, played a vital and decisive role in securing the current administration’s mandate. To demand the dissolution of Ford Kenya now is to "bite the finger that once fed you." It implies that affiliate parties were merely a ladder to power, to be discarded once the summit was reached.”

Also Read: Inside Ruto’s strategy to swallow Kenya Kwanza affiliated parties

Dr Ruto has been pulling strings to have Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties fold and join UDA as part of his 2027 re-election game plan. Amani National Congress (ANC) of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was the first to merge with UDA last year. The decision was, however, reversed by the court in January.

Insiders reveal that Dr Ruto’s grand strategy is to craft a tightly knit and powerful political machine capable of countering mounting opposition pressure, particularly from the Rigathi Gachagua-led United Opposition and other rival forces.

Sources indicate that the President has held multiple meetings with leadership across Kenya Kwanza parties, promising them key positions within UDA, state appointments, and election support to ensure victory against opponents.

Even though several Kenya Kwanza Alliance affiliates are still listed among registered parties at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), they have agreed to back UDA in the coming elections.

Also Read: Mutua versus Mutuse - Ruto dissolution push ignites feud in Maendeleo Chap Chap party

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the founder of Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), has confirmed that while his party has not formally dissolved, it will not field candidates in the 2027 General Election. While Kenya Kwanza was made up of several political outfits, ANC, Ford Kenya and PAA were some of the major affiliates.

Instead, PAA will throw its weight behind UDA, with candidates who would have vied on PAA now running under the UDA banner.

“In 2022, we toured this region extensively, campaigning for our party PAA candidates. Since then, we have had strategic meetings with the President in Nairobi on how to approach the next election as a united front. We have agreed that PAA will not field candidates in 2027,” said Mr Kingi.

Since ANC and PAA have agreed to the demands by UDA, the refusal by Ford Kenya could lead to its isolation going into the next poll. ODM has already made a claim to key positions as part of its condition for a pre-election coalition agreement.

Also Read: Why city lawyer wants Ruto stopped from using State House for UDA activities

Deputy President, Speaker of the National Assembly, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Senate Speaker are some of the key positions ODM is likely to go for in its negotiations with UDA.

ODM has since listed zoning of traditional bases and creation of a ‘Summit’ that would make key decisions, including Cabinet appointments, as conditions for its pre-election coalition arrangement with President Ruto.

“We also expect a coalition agreement that recognizes ODM as an equal partner, not a junior affiliate. ODM would also demand for a written coalition agreement that clearly outlines the terms, policies, and governance structure, deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties,” ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga told the Nation.

“This agreement must have a clear dispute resolution mechanism to prevent conflicts during the coalition's term. We will also seek for establishment of a formal high-level coalition consultative forum to make key decisions – including cabinet appointments, budget priorities, and legislative agenda – rather than unilaterally by the President's party,” she added.

Also Read: ‘ODM won’t dissolve despite President Ruto deal’

Ford Kenya said the calls for ‘a single-party monolith’ are a regressive attempt to return Kenyans to the "dark days" of political stifling.

“If anyone wishes to dismantle this constitutional pillar, they must follow the law through a referendum, rather than through coercion or political intimidation,” said the party.

“​We must ask: what is the true objective of this mission to vanquish affiliate parties? If the goal was "unity," the results speak for themselves. Since the dissolution of parties like ANC to join UDA, we have witnessed a leadership vacuum where members now claim to be "politically homeless.

The outfit said the current leadership will not agree to the political machination by UDA, stating that they are ‘merely trustees of an entity that belongs to the people of Kenya.’

“We have no mandate, morally or legally, to fold up a party that represents the history of our liberation. FORD Kenya cannot and will not be dissolved. It can only be enhanced and protected for future generations."

The outfit further questioned President Ruto why it was on one hand calling for the dissolution of Kenya Kwanza affiliates while on the other openly pursuing alliances with other parties like ODM.

“This kind of double speak raises serious questions about sincerity, consistency, and the true agenda behind these calls.”

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