Wetangula’s Ford-Kenya rejects calls to fold, says 'ready to form coalitions' ahead of 2027 polls

In a bold declaration following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Elementaita Lodge in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Ford-Kenya has resolved not to dissolve the party, affirming its commitment to remain independent within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

The decision, made unanimously by the party leadership, comes amid calls from President William Ruto for constituent parties within the Kenya Kwanza alliance to merge into a single political entity.

However, Ford-Kenya, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, has chosen a different path.

Speaking after the meeting, the party Secretary General John Chikati emphasized that the political outfit had engaged in wide consultations with its membership before arriving at the decision.

“The NEC resolved that Ford-Kenya will not fold. We shall remain active, vibrant, and ready to form coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections,” said Chikati.

In contrast to sister parties in the coalition, Ford-Kenya is preparing to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections as soon as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is reconstituted.

“We have already identified candidates for various seats once the IEBC is operational,” Chikati added.

During the two-day NEC meeting, the party also resolved to undertake a major rebranding exercise to give Ford-Kenya a fresh identity and renewed energy.

Plans are in place to roll out a mass registration drive targeting youth, with the aim of grooming the next generation of leaders within the party.

Chikati noted that Ford-Kenya has mapped out strong support bases in counties such as Turkana, Vihiga, West Pokot, Nandi, Kilifi, and Wajir.

He also noted that a 30-day registration campaign will soon be launched in these regions to bolster the party’s grassroots presence.

Despite its refusal to dissolve, Ford-Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to the Kenya Kwanza agreement and expressed openness to forming alliances with like-minded partners ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This comes even after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) party formally merged with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party this year.

UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the merger would affect the internal structures and leadership of the party as well as the Kenya Kwanza coalition at large.

In the new party leadership structure, ANC Party Leader Issa Timamy who is the Lamu Governor, assumed the role of UDA Deputy Party Leader.

ANC Chairperson Kelvin Lunani deputises Mbarire as Vice Chair, while Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba deputises UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar.