The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), following its merger with the Amani National Congress (ANC), has removed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from his position as Deputy Party Leader. Kindiki had been appointed to this role on November 11, 2024, after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was ousted from the ruling party.
As part of the merger, which has been in progress since June 2023, UDA’s leadership structure has undergone significant changes. Governor Issa Timamy of Lamu has been named the new Deputy Party Leader, while Kelvin Lunani has been appointed Vice-Chairperson, and Omboko Milemba has taken up the position of Deputy Secretary General under Hassan Omar’s leadership. The merger also incorporates ANC’s branding, including its logo, symbols, and typography, into UDA’s identity. Governor Cecily Mbarire, the chairperson of UDA, highlighted that this integration is aimed at unifying the party and creating a political structure that extends beyond individual administrations.
Despite these developments, the merger has not been without controversy. Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has expressed concerns, alleging that the process did not comply with the legal requirements outlined in the Political Parties Act of 2011. Critics have called for greater adherence to the law, even as the merger progresses.
The merger, now nearing completion, includes activities such as membership recruitment and governance harmonization to ensure a seamless transition, which is expected to be finalized within 90 days. A committee has been established to oversee the integration process and address any challenges that arise.
With the reshuffling of UDA’s leadership and the ongoing transition, the party’s new structure is set to be solidified in the weeks to come. However, the legal and procedural aspects of the merger remain under scrutiny, with observers closely monitoring the developments.
