Irungu Nyakera: UDA Risks Losing Control in Parliament After ANC Merger

Farmer’s Party leader Irungu Nyakera has raised concerns over the implications of the recent merger between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC), warning that it could weaken UDA’s grip in Parliament.

In a statement, Nyakera questioned whether UDA had fully considered the legal consequences of the merger, especially in light of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks about forming a new political party.

“Having perused through the Political Parties Act, I was left wondering whether UDA realizes the implications of such a merger, particularly in the backdrop of Riggy G’s talks of forming a new party,” Nyakera stated.

Citing the Political Parties Act, he explained that once a merger is registered, elected leaders who do not wish to be part of the new political entity have 30 days to either join another party 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 said.

Nyakera further noted that these leaders would be free to join any party of their choice, including any newly formed political outfits, which could significantly alter the political balance in the National Assembly and Senate.

His remarks come amid growing political realignments in the Mount Kenya region, with Gachagua hinting at launching a new regional party by May 2025.

Political observers now speculate that the merger could inadvertently fuel defections and intensify factional battles within the ruling coalition.