Africa-Press – Kenya. Pressure is mounting on small political parties in the Kenya Kwanza coalition to dissolve and merge into President William Ruto’s UDA, signalling early efforts to consolidate political power ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest focus is on Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and his The Service Party, amid reports that he is under increasing pressure to fold the outfit and join UDA.
While Kiunjuri has not publicly confirmed such plans, signals from within the ruling coalition suggest a broader push to have the affiliate parties fold into a single dominant vehicle.
Kiunjuri and party secretary general Mwenda Makathimo did not respond to calls and messages seeking clarification of the matter.
However, party chairman Brown Munyoroku termed the reports propaganda.
Already, key coalition partners have begun aligning with UDA. Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi dissolved his Amani National Congress to join UDA, in what was seen as a major step towards consolidating the ruling alliance.
Similarly, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced that his Pamoja African Alliance will not field candidates in 2027, opting instead to back UDA across all levels.
However, not all parties are willing to fold. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has taken a firm stance, with his Ford Kenya party rejecting calls to dissolve.
The party has resolved to remain an independent entity in the coalition and intends to field its own candidates in upcoming by-elections and in 2027.
Labour CS Alfred Mutua has also publicly resisted pressure to merge his Maendeleo Chap Chap Party with UDA, insisting it will remain active and field candidates in 2027.
Against this backdrop, Kiunjuri’s TSP finds itself at a crossroads.
In December, Kiunjuri presided over the party’s first National Delegates Conference, a move widely interpreted as an effort to assert its independence and organisational strength.
“This conference is not merely a formality; it is a vital exercise in party democracy, where every voice matters,” Kiunjuri said at the time, signalling a commitment to building a long-term political vehicle.
“The Service Party is built to last,” Kiunjuri declared, remarks that now stand in contrast to speculation about its potential merger.
The pressure on smaller parties reflects a familiar pattern. Ahead of the 2017 General Election, parties in the Jubilee Alliance merged to form the Jubilee Party. The push was also there ahead of the 2022 polls.
“UDA is trying to avoid the pitfalls of coalition fragmentation that have historically weakened ruling alliances,” political analyst Dr Charles Ng’ang’a said.
“But smaller parties also have incentives to survive, particularly where leaders want to retain personal political vehicles.”
However, a political aide told the Star that if such push is there, then it must be handled carefully not to have a counterproductive effect.
He said forcing Kiunjuri to fold his outfit would create more trouble for Kenya Kwanza as he is among the loyalists in the restive Mt Kenya region.
