Mudavadi Ropes in ODM as ANC Approves Merger with UDA

The Amani National Congress (ANC) party led by Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, held a crucial pre-merger meeting on Saturday, August 3, where party leaders unanimously agreed to merge with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The meeting, held in Lamu County, brought together ANC NEC officials and the Amani Council and was marked by a strong sense of unity and purpose, with leaders outlining the path forward for the merger.

Speaking at the event, ANC party leader Governor Issa Timamy underscored the critical nature of the political moment.

Timamy said he has been mandated to spearhead the negotiations committee as ANC engages with UDA party officials to chart a way forward for the merger.

“Politically, we are at the deep end, and we need to hold on to each other so that we get to the shore. The goal is to involve our leaders so that the merger between UDA and ANC is fulfilled. We have had fruitful and consultative discussions, and we unanimously endorsed the idea,” Timamy said.

Timamy Urges ANC Leaders to Support Ruto

Governor Timamy also highlighted the progress made and the full mandate he has received. He stated that all necessary constitutional and legal procedures for the ANC party are complete, adding that the next step is to organize a joint congress with UDA leaders.

He emphasized that the full implementation of the merger process with UDA was a key resolution from the meeting, and he has been given full authority by the party to ensure its completion.

“Unity is strength. Let’s pull together and rally behind President William Ruto in his nation-building agenda,” he said.

ODM Has Changed Politics- Mudavadi

PCS Mudavadi commended the ANC leaders for their steadfastness, commitment, and agreement to join forces with UDA.

Mudavadi said the party must plan ahead for the 2027 elections since the political environment and negotiating arrangements will be different.

He explained that things have already taken different twists just two years after the 2022 general elections, citing the recent developments in the ODM party.

“You have made the right decision on how our negotiating team should handle the merger. Time is of the essence. By 2027, the political dynamics will have shifted from those in 2022, and ODM has already changed course. Let us work on these modalities to ensure a more unified merger,” he said.

Also Read: Mudavadi Finally Agrees to Dissolve His Party

Mudavadi offered an insightful reflection on the evolution of political alliances and the strategies employed by prominent leaders over the years.

He explained that ANC advanced the merger discussions with the President more quickly than ODM.

 “You have advanced the merger discussions with the President more quickly than ODM. When Raila Odinga and ODM plan, they engage primarily with the ruling party,” he said.

“For instance, Uhuru Kenyatta was with Orange party during the referendum but later returned to vie for the presidency in 2007. He eventually contested under the Jubilee Coalition and won in 2012.”

Unseating President Ruto

Mudavadi further emphasized the importance of strategic positioning, stating that one has to be in government to move forward in African politics.

He asked the ANC members to support President Ruto, adding that unseating him in 2027 is not an option.

“In Africa, it is not easy to defeat an incumbent president seeking a second term. Stay vigilant and never underestimate even the weakest government. Political dynamics change, and you need to be part of the government to make significant moves,” Mudavadi said.

The ANC party resolved not only to support President Ruto but also to proceed with the merger between ANC and UDA.

Also Read: Ruto Signals Death of Mudavadi’s Party Ahead of 2027 Polls

Other ANC Leaders

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to national unity and the strengthening of government, setting the stage for a transformative political landscape.

“Today was a session for us to team build and chart a way forward. We’ve unanimously agreed on this direction and look forward to meeting the UDA team to expedite the arrangement and work as one party for the sake of Kenyan unity and the strength of government,” ANC Secretary General Omboko Milemba said.

Beatrice Adagala, Deputy Party Leader of ANC, expressed enthusiasm for the women’s movements. She emphasized that the ANC women will support President Ruto to ensure he completes his first term and is reelected for the second term.

“The way we’ve been working as Women of the ANC Movement, we want to steer this coming party to the next level so that President William Ruto can effectively lead the next five years and potentially a total of ten. Kenya is one, and it belongs to all of us,” she said.

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