Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has defended the recent merger between his former party, Amani National Congress (ANC), and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating that the move is aimed at securing development gains for the Western region.
Speaking in Kakamega during a joint media interview, Mudavadi affirmed his full commitment to the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the merger is a strategic decision to ensure the region benefits from government resources and appointments.
“I have faith working with Ruto, and we shall stand with him,” he said. “He has made strides in appointing people from Western to different government positions, and slowly we are seeing budgetary plans coming our way. Very soon, you will see Bukhungu Stadium renovations completed.”
The merger, which was formalized on January 17 at State House, Nairobi, was witnessed by both President Ruto and Mudavadi. The move marks a significant political shift as ANC, once a key partner in Kenya Kwanza, now ceases to exist as a standalone entity.
In response to critics, Mudavadi urged leaders from the Western region to overcome fear and fully embrace their role in government. “Liberate yourself, stop living in fear and wondering how it would be. These are the things that prevent us from moving forward,” he stated.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, officially gazetted the dissolution of ANC on March 7, 2025, following a resolution by the party’s National Delegates Congress held on February 7. The notice confirmed the party’s voluntary dissolution in line with its constitution and the Political Parties Act.
Mudavadi emphasized that his inclusion in government is not accidental but earned through commitment. He called on the Western region to support him to maintain influence and push for regional development.
“Even the president would not want people in his cabinet to be half in and half out. That is where we fail as the Western community,” he said.
Kenya Kwanza leaders have reiterated the coalition’s unity and its continued focus on delivering on its promises ahead of the 2027 General Election.
