Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi joined thousands of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants at State House, Nairobi, on February 4, 2026, in a meeting that signalled early preparations for the 2027 General Election.

The high-profile forum, hosted by President William Ruto, brought together more than 10,000 hopeful candidates and senior party leaders, highlighting UDA’s aggressive mobilisation strategy.

Mudavadi, who also heads the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs docket, sat alongside President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other senior officials as they outlined campaign plans. His appearance came only days after he dismissed a High Court ruling that questioned the dissolution of his former party, the Amani National Congress (ANC), reinforcing his shift to UDA.

The meeting attracted leaders from across the country, including governors, senators, Members of Parliament, women representatives, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

Mudavadi’s participation also drew attention because of the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the merger between ANC and UDA. In January 2025, ANC formally merged with UDA, but Stephen Mutoro challenged the move in court.

Court ruling

On January 22, 2026, the High Court ruled that the merger was unconstitutional, reinstated ANC as a registered political party, and ordered the return of assets transferred during the process.

UDA leaders rejected the ruling. Party chair Issa Timamy insisted the party did not merge with ANC but instead absorbed it through voluntary dissolution.

“Clearly, what was done was a voluntary dissolution by the ANC party through its members, and therefore, the matter of the ANC having ‘merged’ with UDA is, with respect, not factual,” Timamy said.

Mudavadi strongly supported the UDA position and maintained that ANC no longer exists.

“Mimi ndiye nilikuwa nguzo katika ANC, na tulipitia utaratibu uliokuwepo hadi tukafikia kiwango cha kusema ANC imevunjwa,” he said during a radio interview.

He dismissed the court ruling, comparing it to a tick stuck on the skin of a slaughtered cow, suggesting the decision had little practical effect.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary also used the forum to strengthen UDA’s influence in Western Kenya. He urged National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to dissolve Ford Kenya and join UDA, arguing that smaller parties lack national strength.

“Nataka kuwaambia watu wa Magharibi kwamba tunataka uongozi wa kitaifa. Hiyo tutaitafuta tukiwa ndani ya UDA, tuwe na uzito tukiwa UDA, na tuwe na wafuasi wengi tukiwa humo,” Mudavadi said.

Kuria and Wamuchomba align

Another significant figure who attended the meeting was former Cabinet Secretary and Chama Cha Kazi party leader Moses Kuria, who is seeking to return to Parliament through the Gatundu South seat under the UDA ticket.

Kuria recently confirmed his bid after successfully registering as a UDA aspirant. His return marks a shift from his earlier interest in running for Nairobi governor and signals his renewed focus on Central Kenya politics. He explained that he views Parliament as the centre of political power and a platform to rebuild national influence.

“I have seen all those things. I have been an MP for 10 years, a minister, and then an advisor. When you see me getting back to Gatundu, I know how important Parliament is. That’s where power comes from,” Kuria said.

He added, “Parliament is the heart of everything. I need a platform to help me traverse the next five years across the country so that later I can ask for a bigger one.”

Kuria also admitted that pressure from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua influenced his decision to abandon his Chama Cha Kazi party and join UDA.

“My party has made my work hard and pulled me down politically. I also tried to build that party, but they said I am Ruto’s project. Actually, it is Rigathi Gachagua who pushed me to the doors of UDA. A car without a number plate is for a thief, now I am fully UDA,” Kuria said.

Kuria claimed that similar political pressure pushed Wamuchomba to openly align herself with Ruto’s camp, saying leaders had been forced to reveal their true political positions.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba also signalled her loyalty to President Ruto and his re-election plans. She recently declared her intention to support Ruto’s second term while pursuing her own political ambitions.

“Yangu ni three term ya Rais ni two term twende kazi bila kelele,” Wamuchomba said, reaffirming her backing of the President.