Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has firmly distanced himself from claims linking him to a new political outfit, the Umoja Summit Party (USP), emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the Kenya Kwanza administration. This follows reports that some of his allies had launched USP shortly after the Amani National Congress (ANC) was folded.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Jacob Ng’etich, Director of the Press Service in Mudavadi’s office, the Prime CS reiterated that he remains “firmly in government” and is focused on serving the people of Kenya under President William Ruto’s leadership.
“Mudavadi believes in high ideals of unity and cohesion. The move to merge ANC with the President’s UDA party was voluntary and endorsed by ANC members,” Ng’etich stated. He further noted that Mudavadi has maintained political integrity throughout his career and is not known for engaging in double-faced tactics.
Mudavadi’s decision to support the merger of ANC with UDA has drawn both praise and criticism, with some observers dubbing it “Earthquake 2.0” — a nod to his 2022 decision to back Ruto. This latest political move is seen by analysts as both bold and strategic, positioning Mudavadi as a key player in President Ruto’s 2027 re-election plans.
In defending the merger, Mudavadi questioned the practicality of sponsoring candidates to compete with UDA while serving as the Prime Cabinet Secretary. “Would it be fair if I am the Prime CS and then sponsor a candidate to take on the person who appointed me? That would be a serious conflict of interest,” he argued.
While some Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties have resisted folding, ANC has opted for a path of consolidation, with Mudavadi urging his party’s members to embrace unity. “Let us be pound-wise, not pound-foolish politically,” he told ANC officials during recent consultations.
As political realignments begin to take shape ahead of 2027, Mudavadi’s calculated move to stay loyal to President Ruto could solidify his place at the center of Kenya’s evolving power dynamics.
