Ford Kenya Rejects Pressure to Merge with UDA, Defends Multiparty Democracy
The Ford Kenya party, which is linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, has strongly dismissed growing calls for it to dissolve and merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The party has described these demands as dangerous and warned that they could weaken Kenya’s multiparty democratic system.
In a statement released on Monday, March 23, Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati firmly opposed the proposal.
He accused some leaders within UDA of deliberately pushing for the collapse of smaller affiliate parties that are part of the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
According to him, such efforts appear to be aimed at consolidating power ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Chikati did not hold back in his response, describing the calls as “outrageous” and harmful to the country’s democratic values.
He emphasized that the existence of multiple political parties is protected by law and plays a key role in ensuring balanced governance.
He further noted that affiliate parties like Ford Kenya were instrumental in helping the coalition secure victory during the 2022 elections.
In part of the statement, the party expressed deep concern over what it termed as sustained threats coming from senior UDA leaders. It argued that forcing smaller parties to dissolve and join a single dominant party would be a direct attack on Kenya’s democratic foundation.
Chikati made it clear that Ford Kenya has no intention of folding, insisting that the party will continue to grow stronger and remain relevant for future generations.
He went on to warn that any attempt to weaken smaller political parties would undo the progress Kenya has made since the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s. According to him, such a move would take the country backwards and limit political diversity.
He stressed that any changes to the political system must strictly follow constitutional procedures, including public participation and possibly a national referendum.
At the same time, Ford Kenya raised concerns about what it described as contradictions within the ruling coalition.
The party questioned why some leaders who are pushing for the dissolution of affiliate parties are also engaging in talks or alliances with opposition groups.
This, according to Chikati, raises serious questions about the true intentions behind the calls for mergers.
Despite the disagreements, Ford Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to working within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, the party urged leaders to shift their focus from early political campaigns and internal power struggles to delivering on the promises made to Kenyans during the election period.
Chikati emphasized that leadership should be guided by merit, respect for agreements, and service to the people, rather than coercion or political pressure.
The statement came in response to remarks by several UDA leaders, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.
Cherargei had warned that parties affiliated with the government risk being sidelined from key appointments if they refuse to dissolve and fully join UDA.
His comments have since sparked debate within the coalition about the future of smaller parties.
Interestingly, the ongoing debate comes shortly after a court decision involving another political party.
A recent attempt to merge UDA with Amani National Congress (ANC), associated with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, was rejected by the court. The ruling stated that ANC must retain its identity as an independent political party.
The court further directed that ANC offices be reopened and instructed the Registrar of Political Parties to officially reinstate the party through a gazette notice.
According to the judgment, the proposed merger did not meet the legal and constitutional requirements needed to dissolve and combine political parties in Kenya.
This ruling has added weight to Ford Kenya’s position, reinforcing the argument that political parties cannot simply be dissolved without following strict legal procedures.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the debate over party mergers and political alignment within the Kenya Kwanza coalition is expected to intensify.
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