Discontent is brewing within the Amani National Congress (ANC) as a section of party members accuse Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of betrayal following the party’s merger with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The disgruntled members have threatened to withdraw from ANC, citing a lack of consultation and accusing Mudavadi of prioritizing self-interest over the party’s ideals.
Members Slam ‘Undemocratic’ Merger
The party members, speaking during a press briefing, criticized Mudavadi for what they described as an undemocratic move to align ANC with UDA without involving the grassroots membership. They expressed disappointment, alleging that the decision contradicted the principles the party was built upon.
“We note that the top leadership of the party has allowed itself and the party to be swallowed up by our competitors. At first, we thought we were united in a public mission, but this was not the case,” remarked a spokesperson for the group.
The members further accused the ANC leadership of abandoning the party’s identity, rendering it indistinguishable within the ruling coalition.
Accusations of Betrayal
According to the aggrieved members, Mudavadi’s actions undermine his role as a representative of the Luhya community. They claimed that his ambition for higher office has led him to abandon the collective aspirations of the party.
“Musalia, you have betrayed us. You are one of the leaders we believed would one day become president. Your only work has been to shift parties and use us for your own benefit,” one member declared.
The UDA-ANC Merger Explained
The controversy comes just days after ANC’s formal merger with UDA, a move UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire described as part of a strategy to create a more inclusive and democratic party structure. The merger included changes to party symbols, logos, and branding to reflect the union.
Key appointments were also made following the merger. Issa Timamy, former ANC Party Leader, was named UDA Deputy Party Leader, while Omboko Milemba took the role of Deputy Secretary General.
Mbarire defended the merger, stating, “The move was aimed at fostering shared political ideologies and creating a unified platform for democratic governance.”
Mounting Pressure on Mudavadi
The backlash highlights a growing divide within ANC’s rank and file, with members accusing Mudavadi of sidelining them in favor of securing his political future. His critics claim that his once-ambitious goal of becoming Kenya’s president has been undermined by his alignment with UDA.
“Musalia no longer represents the interests of the Luhya community or ANC. This merger proves he has prioritized his personal ambitions over the hopes of his supporters,” said another member.
What’s Next for ANC?
The threats of withdrawal mark a turbulent period for ANC, with the party’s future hanging in the balance. The disgruntled members have vowed to intensify their push for a reversal of the merger and have hinted at possibly forming a breakaway faction if their demands are not met.
As the political tension unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Mudavadi will address the grievances or double down on his commitment to the UDA alliance, further reshaping Kenya’s political landscape.
