Kenyan politics has been rocked by a rift within President William Ruto’s camp over plans to merge affiliate Kenya Kwanza parties with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Some of Ruto’s allies have objected to the move, calling for the promotion of multi-party democracy.
The Democratic Party, a key affiliate of Kenya Kwanza, has publicly declared that they will not join UDA.
Jacob Haji, the party’s Secretary General, stated that the ruling party should accommodate all parties and not seek to fold them into one.
However, UDA’s Secretary General Cleophas Malala believes that the move will strengthen the Kenya Kwanza team, making it more vibrant.
Malala has revealed plans to engage with affiliate parties to join UDA, aiming to build a perpetual political party like the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and the Democratic Party in America.
While Ruto’s camp appears divided over the issue, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua has thrown his weight behind Malala.
Speaking in Eldoret, Gachagua explained that Malala was appointed to bring vibrancy to the ruling party as they strategize for future elections.
Notably, the new strategy by UDA is similar to what former President Uhuru Kenyatta used in 2017 by folding affiliates into one Jubilee party.
UDA is conducting mass registration for its members ahead of the nationwide election of grassroots officials, as they aim to solidify their position as a key political force in Kenya.
