Farmer’s Party leader Irungu Nyakera has raised concerns over the political implications of the recent merger between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC), questioning whether UDA fully understands the legal consequences of the move.
In a statement, Nyakera pointed out that the merger, which was announced on January 17, 2025, could lead to a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics, particularly in light of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s push for a new Mount Kenya-based political party.
“Having perused through the Political Parties Act, I was left wondering whether UDA realizes the implications of such a merger, especially in the backdrop of RiggyG’s talks of forming a new party,” Nyakera stated.
Citing the Political Parties Act (PPA), Nyakera explained that once a merger is formalized and registered, elected leaders who do not wish to be part of the new party have 30 days to join another political outfit or become independents while retaining their seats.
“This means that any UDA and ANC elected leaders who no longer feel aligned to the new UDA principles can ship out to another outfit, which would be detrimental to UDA in Parliament as they immediately lose control,” he warned.
He noted that such a scenario could weaken UDA’s grip in Parliament, as lawmakers who disagree with the new party structure would be free to defect, including to any newly formed political party.
Nyakera’s remarks come amid increasing speculation about political realignments in Mount Kenya, with Gachagua and other leaders hinting at a breakaway from UDA to form a regional party ahead of the 2027 elections.
