UDA Announces Plans to Change Party Constitution Ahead of 2027 Election

UDA Announces Plans to Change Party Constitution Ahead of 2027 Election

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to amend its party constitution as political realignments, coalition talks and defections intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The proposed changes were formally announced through a Kenya Gazette notice published on August 14 under the Political Parties Act, opening a window for members of the public and interested parties to raise objections.

The notice was issued by the Registrar of Political Parties under Section 20(1)(a) of the Political Parties Act, which provides for the amendment of a political party’s constitution.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Section 20(1)(a) of the Political Parties Act, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) intends to make changes to its party constitution.”

The notice gives members of the public seven days from the date of publication to submit written views or objections to the Registrar.

The deadline for submitting the objections is August 21, placing the proposed UDA constitutional changes under close public scrutiny as the political landscape shifts ahead of the next election.

UDA Constitutional Changes Come Amid Political Realignments

The announcement comes shortly after UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) agreed to work together under the Kenya Kwanza-ODM arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.

The agreement was reached during a broad-based political meeting in Naivasha on August 11.

The two parties agreed to nominate five representatives from each side to work on a joint coalition manifesto. The document is expected to outline the coalition’s policy priorities ahead of UDA constitutional changes

UDA is also facing political pressure from defections involving several leaders.

Among those who have recently moved away from the ruling party are Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe and former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha have also moved into the political camp associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

The defections have added to the political uncertainty within the ruling establishment less than two years before the 2027 General Election.

How Political Parties Change Their Constitutions

Political parties seeking to amend their constitutions must follow procedures set out in law and their internal party rules.

The process normally begins with the relevant party organs, such as the National Delegates Convention or National Executive Council, considering and approving proposed amendments.

The changes must then be passed through the required voting process and documented through official resolutions and minutes.

The party subsequently submits the proposed amendments and supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties for review.

The Registrar then publishes a notice in the Kenya Gazette, allowing members of the public and other interested parties to raise objections before the changes are formally registered.

The process is intended to promote transparency and ensure that political parties comply with the Political Parties Act.

Public Invited to Review UDA Proposal

UDA members and members of the public who want to examine the proposed amendments have been directed to the Registrar of Political Parties’ offices at Lion Place along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi.

The offices are open on weekdays between 8am and 5pm.

The proposed constitutional changes come at a politically sensitive time, with UDA seeking to consolidate its position within the Kenya Kwanza administration while navigating coalition arrangements and growing competition from opposition parties.

The outcome of the amendment process could provide an indication of how the ruling party intends to structure its operations and prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.

For now, attention remains on the August 21 deadline, when the public participation period for objections to the proposed UDA constitutional changes is expected to close.

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UDA Announces Plans to Change Party Constitution Ahead of 2027 Election