Wetang’ula’s party refuses to dissolve, plans to field candidates in 2027
He added that the party is gearing up to field candidates in all upcoming by-elections, including those in Malava, Ugunja, and Banissa.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party has dismissed proposals to disband and merge with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The party has instead announced its intention to participate in the forthcoming by-elections, where it will present its own candidates.
This move places Ford Kenya alongside UDA and parties allied with the embattled former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, all of which are gearing up for the 2027 general elections.
During a weekend meeting chaired by Moses Wetang’ula, Ford Kenya firmly rejected the idea of dissolving, citing its long-standing presence since the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in Kenya.
According to a report by Citizen Digital, the party expressed readiness to fill political spaces left by the Amani National Congress (ANC) — the outfit formerly led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi — which recently merged with UDA.
This resolution was reached at a strategic gathering of the party’s Management and National Executive Committees held at Sentrim Elementaita in Naivasha.
The meeting was attended by Ford Kenya’s elected governors, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies, and senior party officials.
Speaking on Monday, Ford Kenya Secretary General and Tongaren MP John Chikati firmly dismissed suggestions that the party should dissolve, stressing that its legacy and distinct identity are not up for negotiation in pursuit of short-term political gains.
While affirming that Ford Kenya remains a committed member of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Chikati clarified that the party has never announced a merger with President Ruto’s UDA.
"There’s no intention to disband. Our focus is on strengthening Ford Kenya as a stand-alone political force," he said.
He added that the party is gearing up to field candidates in all upcoming by-elections, including those in Malava, Ugunja, and Banissa.
Chikati also revealed that a special committee has been formed to identify Ford Kenya’s political strongholds ahead of the 2027 elections, with attention on areas such as Turkana, Nandi, Vihiga, Kilifi, and West Pokot.
In a bid to appeal to the Gen Z demographic, Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati revealed that the party is undergoing a rebranding process that will include a new logo, colors, and slogan.
He also announced the adoption of a Youth Charter and plans to establish party chapters in universities and colleges nationwide.
"We’re committed to a full rebrand that resonates with the youth. There’s a perception that Ford Kenya is an old-fashioned party, and we want to change that by giving it a fresh, modern image," Chikati said.
This announcement comes as Ford Kenya’s existing cooperation agreement with UDA is set to lapse in 2027.
The party’s decision to retain its independence deals a significant setback to UDA and President William Ruto, who, according to sources, has been pushing for affiliate parties to dissolve and consolidate under the Kenya Kwanza umbrella in an effort to strengthen his political base ahead of the 2027 General Election.