UDA to change name in key rebranding strategy ahead of 2027

The ruling United Democratic Alliance Party will change its name in a rebranding strategy in readiness for the 2027 elections.

Plans to rebrand the party follow Friday’s merger with Amani National Congress (ANC).

National chairperson Cecily Mbarire announced the new outfit has already incorporated ANC’s identity symbols in the new logo, imagery and typography, and shall resultantly undertake a myriad of other changes in governance and operations.

“The UDA Party shall incorporate other staff members into the secretariat of the party, and integrate the structures, organs and modalities of the ANC Party into the UDA Party,” she said.

“The party shall undertake merger activities including harmonisation of the shared core values, rebranding and membership recruitment drive among other post-merger initiatives.”

Mbarire further noted that pre-merger accrued coalition benefits and commitments in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition have been integrated into the merged party.

She said the benefits shall be utilised for the advancement of the merged party’s objectives.

Mbarire said the parties have also agreed on the transition, implementation and monitoring of all the undertakings of the merger agreement, to ensure full implementation and compliance.

“We have also formed a merger committee to ensure within 90 days, this happens,” she said.

The merger with ANC comes as President William Ruto continues to add more opposition figures to his government to consolidate support and stabilise his administration.

The President is embracing his rivals to solidify his base and strengthen his chances of retaining power come 2027.

He has faced rising public discontent over rising taxes and worsening economic conditions, which led to mass protests in mid-last year.

To end the protests, Ruto retracted Finance Bill 2024 and dismissed most of his Cabinet.

He has since appointed a new cabinet, which includes three allies of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta (Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui) and four affiliates of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi) in his broad-based government.