Wetangula's Ford Kenya won't fold or merge with UDA

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya party has declared it will not fold or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ahead of 2027 elections.

Instead, party leaders say, the second-oldest political outfit after Kanu will work on strengthening its systems and capacity, and will stage a duel against President William Ruto’s UDA.

Multiple sources also said the Speaker was intent on preserving the independence of the party and lead a charm offensive in regions that have traditionally been Amani National Congress’ (ANC) stronghold but were “orphaned” following the party’s merger with UDA.

Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati said whereas there is a working relationship with UDA, his party would field candidates in upcoming by-elections in Malava, Ugunja and Banissa constituencies.

In a move that could further strain the relations between UDA and Ford Kenya parties, the SG maintained that the Wetangula party would get into new partnerships as its agreement with UDA ends in 2027. “We have already identified candidates who will vie for these seats and are currently working on strategies on how to clinch them. Those waiting for the political hammer to fall on Ford Kenya will not see it,” said Chikati.

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The resolutions were reached during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee and National Management Committee at Sentrim Elementaita, Naivasha from last week Friday to Sunday. The meeting chaired by Wetangula was attended by the party’s elected Governor Ken Lusaka, sitting and former members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly and the party’s top brass.