Ford Kenya Rejects Calls to Dissolve and Merge With UDA Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ford Kenya, which is associated with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, issued the strong response through its Secretary General John Chikati in a statement released on Monday, March 23.
Chikati accused some UDA leaders within the Kenya Kwanza coalition of attempting to pressure affiliate parties to fold into a single dominant outfit, arguing that the move would undermine constitutional protections for political pluralism.
“The FORD Kenya Party has noted with deep concern the consistent and sustained threats issued by senior leaders within UDA. These utterances, demanding that affiliate parties within the Kenya Kwanza administration should fold up and join UDA ahead of the 2027 General Elections, are not only outrageous but a direct affront to the democratic fabric of our nation,” the statement read.
He emphasised that Ford Kenya had no intention of dissolving, insisting the party’s legacy and political base could not be absorbed into another organisation.
“FORD Kenya cannot and will not be dissolved. It can only be enhanced and protected for future generations,” the statement added.
Ford Kenya also highlighted what it described as contradictions within the ruling coalition, noting that some leaders advocating consolidation were simultaneously engaging opposition figures in separate political negotiations.
While reaffirming its commitment to the Kenya Kwanza administration, the party urged leaders to prioritise governance and service delivery over early political realignments.
“Governance should be based on merit and pre-election agreements, not political blackmail,” Chikati said, stressing that Ford Kenya would continue to defend its autonomy and constitutional rights.
The controversy follows increasing pressure from some UDA members who argue that a unified party structure would strengthen the coalition ahead of the next election cycle. Among the most vocal has been Samson Cherargei, Senator for Nandi County, who warned that affiliate parties that refuse to dissolve may be sidelined in government appointments.
Political analysts say the dispute reflects broader tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition as parties position themselves for influence in the run-up to 2027.
Complicating the debate is a recent court ruling involving Amani National Congress (ANC), led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. A proposed merger between ANC and UDA was blocked after the court determined that the process did not meet constitutional requirements for dissolving a political party.
The court ordered that ANC retain its independent status, directing the Registrar of Political Parties to reinstate the party through a formal gazette notice and reopen its offices. Legal experts say the ruling reinforces strict safeguards designed to prevent arbitrary dissolution of political organisations.
Observers note that smaller parties often play a crucial role in coalition politics, mobilising regional support and broadening electoral appeal. Ford Kenya itself has a long history in Western Kenya and was instrumental in delivering votes to the Kenya Kwanza alliance during the 2022 elections.
As debates intensify, the party’s leadership insists that preserving multiple political voices is essential for democratic stability.
For now, Ford Kenya’s unequivocal rejection signals that coalition unity may face significant tests as parties balance loyalty to the administration with the desire to maintain independent political identities. With nearly two years until the next polls, the battle over party mergers could shape the alliances and strategies that define Kenya’s 2027 electoral landscape.
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Ford Kenya Rejects Calls to Dissolve and Merge With UDA Ahead of 2027 Elections
