Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has criticized the recently announced merger between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC), claiming the union lacks political significance.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 17, 2025, Amisi argued that the Western and Central regions had already distanced themselves from the government, making the merger inconsequential.
Amisi’s Stinging Remarks
“A merger between UDA, a dead horse, and ANC, a beast of burden, can only produce a mule. A mule is sterile and cannot produce offspring,” Amisi stated. “Western is gone, and Central is gone. Even if you merge all villages in the Western region—from Ezevorogi to Sirisia to form Shamakhokho—nothing will change.”
The Saboti legislator further challenged UDA’s popularity in the Western region, urging skeptics to “hold a rally in Mbale and shout UDA” as proof. “Kenya needs a renaissance!” he concluded.
Details of the Merger
The merger between UDA, led by President William Ruto, and ANC, under Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, was officially announced during a ceremony at State House.
UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire outlined the changes accompanying the new partnership. The merged entity will retain the UDA name while incorporating ANC’s symbols and identity into its branding.
“The UDA party and the Amani National Congress have today merged as one, known as the UDA party. The name and branding will also undergo changes,” Mbarire said.
Leadership Restructuring
The merger includes significant leadership adjustments. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, previously ANC’s deputy party leader, will now serve as the deputy leader of the new UDA.
Other key ANC figures, such as Kelvin Lunani and Omboko Milemba, will take up roles as vice chairperson and deputy secretary-general, respectively. Mbarire confirmed that the ANC secretariat, including its directors and staff, would also be integrated into the new structure.
“This merger will bring together key personnel and resources to drive the new formation forward,” she added.