Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed reports suggesting he has formed and, or, plans to join a new political party, calling the claims baseless and reaffirming his commitment to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance under President William Ruto.
Dr Mudavadi’s remarks come as Western Kenya, a region historically dominated by parties like the defunct Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya, experiences shifting political loyalties. The Democratic Action Party (DAP), led by Eugene Wamalwa, is gaining ground, with some analysts suggesting it could challenge the region’s traditional powerhouses.
In a statement issued today by his office, Dr Mudavadi, who previously led ANC, clarified his position within the ruling coalition, “For the record and to avoid any doubt, Dr Mudavadi remains 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.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary was responding to the media speculation that he might be eyeing a new political alignment ahead of the 2027 General Election. He firmly denied such intentions, saying, “I have absolutely no intention of joining another political outfit.”
Speculation emerged after Musalia’s former campaign manager and close confidant, Godffrey Kanoti, took over the Umoja Summit Party and rebranded it as the Democratic National Alliance (DNA). Barack Muluka, former ANC Secretary-General, will serve as DNA’s national chairman. Launched last week, the party event was attended by key opposition and western Kenya political figures who criticized the ruling regime’s unfulfilled promises to western Kenya.
A veteran politician with over 30 years in public life, Dr Mudavadi recounted his role in leading ANC into the Kenya Kwanza Alliance before the August 2022 General Election. The coalition, comprising President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Ford Kenya, and smaller parties, defeated the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In January 2025, ANC and UDA merged to bolster the ruling alliance, a move Dr Mudavadi described as “voluntary” and “endorsed by party members” to promote unity and cohesion.
“Throughout his political career, H.E. Mudavadi has maintained integrity, honesty, and dignity, and has never been duplicitous,” the statement added. It also highlighted the influence of former ANC officials in the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that several hold senior roles, including the deputy party leader position, and are key decision-makers.
Dr Mudavadi, 64, has been a towering figure in Kenyan politics since the 1980s. First elected MP for Sabatia Constituency in 1989, he served as Vice-President under President Daniel arap Moi from November 2002 to January 2003 and later held Cabinet roles in Finance and Transport. He founded the ANC in 2015 after leaving the United Democratic Movement (UDM). In 2013, he ran for president under the United Democratic Forum (UDF) but withdrew to back Mr Odinga.
His alliance with Dr Ruto in 2022 was widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen Kenya Kwanza’s foothold in Western Kenya, where he wields considerable influence. However, the ANC-UDA merger earlier this year drew criticism from some who accused him of sacrificing his party’s ideals for political gain.
Signed by Jacob Ng’etich, Director of Press Service in the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the statement underscored Dr Mudavadi’s dedication to his current role. “Dr Mudavadi remains committed to diligently serving the people of Kenya,” it concluded.
Political analysts suggest the rumours of a potential party switch may reflect underlying tensions within Kenya Kwanza, which has faced scrutiny over economic challenges and governance since taking power. With the 2027 election still two years away, Dr Mudavadi’s reaffirmation of loyalty may quiet speculation about his future, for now.
Meanwhile, DAP’s rise has fuelled debate about evolving voter sentiment in Western Kenya. Formed in 2021, the party has positioned itself as a progressive alternative, appealing to younger voters and those frustrated with established parties. Analysts say DAP’s focus on grassroots mobilisation and local issues like unemployment and economic hardship is striking a chord in the region.
Aso, the non-fulfillment of the development projects promised in the 2022 political deal between Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, and William Ruto may be stoking political dissidence in Western Kenya by deepening local frustrations over unmet expectations.
As part of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance agreement, Mudavadi and Wetangula were tasked with delivering substantial votes from the region in exchange for priority development initiatives, such as road construction and the revival of stalled sugar factories, aimed at addressing chronic economic challenges like unemployment and infrastructure deficits.
However, nearly three years into Ruto’s presidency, progress on these projects remains sluggish, with many residents pointing to continued neglect of key industries and poor infrastructure as evidence of broken promises.
“This perceived betrayal has likely undermined confidence in the regime, deepening dissatisfaction among Western Kenya’s leaders and creating opportunities for alternative political movements to gain traction in a region increasingly disillusioned with President Ruto,” noted George Wanyonyi, a political analyst.
