The Amani National Congress (ANC) has officially ceased to exist following its formal dissolution as ratified by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). The decision, which has been gazetted, marks the end of a political party that was once a significant player in Kenya’s political landscape under the leadership of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
In a gazette notice dated March 7, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu confirmed that ANC had been dissolved in accordance with the Political Parties Act. “Pursuant to Section 9 and 34C of the Political Parties Act, Cap. 7D, and Paragraph 22 of the Second Schedule to the Political Parties Act, it is hereby notified for the general public that the Amani National Congress (ANC) stands dissolved,’’ the notice read in part.
The dissolution follows a resolution made by ANC’s National Delegates Congress (NDC) on February 7, 2025, where party members agreed to voluntarily dissolve the party in line with its constitution.
The move comes after months of discussions regarding a merger between ANC and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Initially, there were plans to merge the two parties, but legal and procedural challenges led to a change of strategy, resulting in ANC’s dissolution and subsequent absorption into UDA.
During a meeting at State House attended by President Ruto, Mudavadi, and other senior officials from ANC and UDA, a harmonized leadership structure was unveiled. UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire announced that Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki would serve as deputy leaders of the ruling party. Kelvin Lunani, ANC’s former chairperson, was appointed UDA’s vice chair, while Omboko Milemba, ANC’s former secretary general, took up the role of UDA’s deputy secretary general.
The dissolution of ANC is widely seen as part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to consolidate political power ahead of the 2027 general elections. By eliminating the ANC as a separate entity, UDA strengthens its position as Kenya’s dominant political force, absorbing Mudavadi’s loyalists and expanding its influence across the country.
