The Ford Kenya party, associated with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, has firmly rejected calls to dissolve and merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), terming the demands a threat to Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday, March 23, Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati dismissed the push by some UDA leaders as “outrageous” and unconstitutional. He accused elements within the ruling coalition of attempting to weaken affiliate parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections, warning that such moves undermine democratic principles.
Chikati emphasized that Ford Kenya played a significant role in delivering victory to the Kenya Kwanza coalition in the 2022 elections and should not be forced to relinquish its identity. He maintained that the party “cannot and will not be dissolved,” adding that it must instead be strengthened for future generations.
He further cautioned that compelling smaller parties to merge into a dominant outfit would reverse gains made since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s. According to Chikati, any attempt to alter the current political framework must follow constitutional processes, including a referendum.
While reaffirming its support for President William Ruto’s administration, Ford Kenya urged leaders to prioritise governance and service delivery over premature political realignments.
The statement follows pressure from UDA figures, including Samson Cherargei, who warned that affiliate parties risk exclusion from government appointments if they refuse to merge.
Meanwhile, a recent court ruling blocked a proposed merger between UDA and the Amani National Congress, reinforcing the legal protections surrounding party independence.