- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been removed as UDA’s Deputy Party Leader following the party’s merger with Amani National Congress (ANC).
- Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire confirmed the decision and outlined the leadership changes.
- The merger involves integrating ANC’s branding and leadership into UDA, with Lamu Governor Issa Timamy appointed as the new Deputy Party Leader.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), after merging with Amani National Congress (ANC), has removed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from his role as the Deputy Party Leader.
Kindiki was appointed UDA’s deputy leader on November 11, 2024, following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was removed from the ruling party.
However, as part of the merger, which had been underway since June 2023, the leadership structure of UDA has been reconfigured. Governor Issa Timamy of Lamu has been appointed the new Deputy Party Leader, while Kelvin Lunani becomes Vice-Chairperson, and Omboko Milemba takes up the position of Deputy Secretary General under Hassan Omar.
The merger also sees the integration of ANC’s branding, including their logo, symbols, and typography, into UDA’s identity. Governor Cecily Mbarire, UDA’s chairperson, emphasized that the merger would unify the party, building a political structure that transcends administrations.
Despite the leadership changes, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala has raised concerns, criticizing the process and alleging that it did not adhere to legal procedures as stipulated under the Political Parties Act, 2011.
The merger, now in its final stages, will involve activities like membership recruitment and governance harmonization to ensure a smooth transition, which will be completed within 90 days.
Post-merger integration continues, with a committee overseeing the transition.
The legalities of the merger process are still under scrutiny, with some critics calling for adherence to procedures.
UDA’s leadership reshuffling is expected to be further solidified in the coming weeks.
