Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, has come out guns blazing to dismiss widespread claims that he is secretly joining a new political party.
The rumors, which have recently gained traction across media and political circles, follow months of political realignment in the Kenya Kwanza administration and sparked heated speculation over Mudavadi’s next political move—especially after the folding of his Amani National Congress (ANC) into President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
However, in a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, April 6, Mudavadi’s communications team broke the silence and set the record straight.
“H.E. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has noted with concern reports in some media outlets associating him with a new political party,” the statement read.
“For the record and avoidance of doubt, Dr. Mudavadi is firmly in the government under the Kenya Kwanza Alliance Administration led by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.”
This bold clarification comes just months after the ANC formally merged with UDA in a historic move that reshaped Kenya’s political terrain. The merger, which was officially announced on January 17, 2025, followed prolonged negotiations and behind-the-scenes strategy meetings.
Despite rumors of internal resistance and political tensions, Mudavadi made it clear that the move was entirely voluntary and endorsed by the ANC party leadership and members.
Sources close to Mudavadi’s office revealed that the decision to fold ANC into UDA was guided by a broader vision of unity and national service, rather than personal ambition or political opportunism.
“The Prime Cabinet Secretary has maintained integrity, honesty, and dignity in his political career and has never acted with duplicity,” the statement emphasized.
To support this position, Mudavadi’s office cited the appointment of several former ANC officials to key positions within the UDA party and national government. One notable example is former ANC Deputy Party Leader and current Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who retained his leadership role within UDA after the merger.
Other ANC secretariat members were also absorbed into UDA, maintaining continuity and ensuring representation of the party’s ideological roots.
Interestingly, the merger came with visible changes to the UDA party identity, underscoring the depth of integration between the two parties. UDA chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire revealed that the party’s logo and official colors were modified to reflect the ANC’s branding.
This was not merely cosmetic—it symbolized the birth of a new formation that would carry forward the political values and aspirations of both parties.
“The merger was scheduled for last year but stalled because of challenges and bottlenecks,” Mbarire revealed during the announcement. “But because of our new deputy party leader, he ensured to open up that process and unlocked and straightened all the obstacles to ensure we get here.”
Her reference to the “new deputy party leader” alludes to a key reshuffle that occurred following the controversial impeachment of former Deputy Party Leader and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua’s fall from grace triggered internal restructuring within UDA and delayed the merger’s finalization.
Political analysts now view the successful completion of the merger as a testament to the Ruto administration’s resolve to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yet, despite the clear merger and public unity, whispers of Mudavadi’s alleged dalliance with a new political vehicle have continued to swirl. Some political insiders speculate that certain factions within Kenya Kwanza, possibly uncomfortable with Mudavadi’s rising influence, are fueling the rumors to undermine his position.
“There are those who fear Mudavadi’s growing stature, especially given his diplomatic portfolio and increasing presence in international affairs,” a source close to the Prime Cabinet Secretary told this publication. “They are the ones trying to paint him as disloyal.”
But if the recent statement is anything to go by, Mudavadi is not wavering.
“Mudavadi remains committed to his government’s responsibility of diligently serving the people of Kenya and has absolutely no intention of joining another political outfit,” it concluded.
As the 2027 political race gradually begins to take shape, the reaffirmation of Mudavadi’s loyalty to President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government sends a strong message to both allies and critics: he’s here to stay. The merger between ANC and UDA might have sparked wild speculation, but it has also solidified Mudavadi’s role as a key player in Ruto’s inner circle.
In the high-stakes game of Kenyan politics, clarity can be elusive—but for now, Musalia Mudavadi’s position is crystal clear. He is not only standing by President Ruto but actively shaping the future of their shared political vision.
Whether this unity holds through to the next election cycle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the rumors of Mudavadi’s defection have been thoroughly and decisively debunked.
