Blow for Mudavadi as allies unveil new political party

Former officials of the defunct Amani National Congress (ANC) have unveiled a political party they say will champion the political and economic interests of the Western region.

Led by former Secretary General, Dr Barack Muluka, the allies said the new party, Umoja Summit Party-Kenya (USP-K), seeks to unite the Western region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Muluka blamed Mudavadi and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetangula for failing to show leadership and political direction for the Luhya people.

Mudavadi’s ANC merged with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to form a unified political entity.

Details of the merger were disclosed by UDA Chairperson Cecil Mbarire during a press briefing at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, January 17.  

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Mbarire noted that while the unified party will retain the UDA name for now, a name change will occur in the future.  

The merger has left National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on the verge of losing control of Ford-K after the High Court ruled that he cannot lead the entity while serving as National Assembly Speaker, citing impartiality.

Speaking at his Khwisero home, Muluka and USP-K Party Leader Godfrey Kanoti emphasised the need for the Western region to have an independent political force that truly represents its people.

"Luhya leaders are following Mudavadi and Wetang’ula blindly, without a clear agenda for the people they represent. We cannot continue folding our parties and losing our bargaining power," he said.

He added, "USP is here to provide an independent political home for Western."

Muluka also raised concerns over President William Ruto’s unfulfilled promises to Western, including the 30 per cent share of government positions and resources pledged by.

“As Western leaders, we must ask ourselves: Where is the 30 per cent that was promised to our people? Have we truly benefitted, or was it just another political deal that left us empty-handed?”

He added, "ANC is dead and buried; there is nothing. On the other hand, Ford-Kenya is on the verge of collapsing, and USP is here to offer an alternative vehicle for the people of the Western Region, compounded with ideologies and agendas and not lies."

Muluka said USP was open to alliances based on equal terms of taking over the power and focusing on meaningful development for the Luhya community.

“If we must join one (alliance), it will be on our terms, not as passengers, but as equal partners with one aim of taking over the power,” Muluka affirmed.

USP leaders said the coalition was a reality in Kenya's politics, stating that any future alliances must prioritise the region’s interests.

Muluka said the party is not out to fight Mudavadi and Wetang’ula but to transform the region.

"Ruto has failed to deliver on the promises; we are yet to see 1000 kilometres of bitumen roads, the revival of factories, and 30 per cent of positions in the government," he said.

Kanoti said the party will grow its wings beyond the region while assuring supporters that the party is committed to economic development, infrastructure, and job creation for the region.

"We are not looking for handouts or political deals in Nairobi," Kanoti said. “Our mission is to build a solid political movement that listens to and works for the people of Western,” said Konoti.

He said the USP party is actively recruiting members not only from the Western region but also from other regions like the Coast and Central Kenya.

"As part of their strategy, USP aims to strengthen its grassroots presence and position itself as a viable alternative in Kenya’s political landscape,” he added.

They also addressed the recent ruling by a three-judge bench that barred Wetang’ula from holding the office of Ford Kenya Party Leader.

While the ruling has stirred controversy, both Kanoti and Muluka made it clear that USP would not challenge the decision in court.

“We will not go to court to challenge the ruling as it does not serve the interests of our members. Our members want unity for the Mulembe Nation, to have a united voice that can bargain for our people.”