A Kenyan court has nullified the merger between the Amani National Congress (ANC) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), calling it unlawful and unconstitutional. The ruling states that ANC remains a duly registered political party. All assets transferred from ANC to UDA must be returned. This decision came recently and has stirred fresh debate in Kenya’s political scene, especially as people search for details on the ANC-UDA merger court ruling and its impact on parties like UDA and ANC.
The merger happened earlier in 2025. UDA, led by President William Ruto, absorbed ANC, which was headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. ANC members voted to dissolve their party and join UDA. The Registrar of Political Parties gazetted the dissolution.
New officials were named, including Issa Timamy from ANC as a deputy leader in the combined party. Supporters saw it as a way to strengthen the ruling coalition ahead of future elections.
But not everyone agreed. Challenges arose over how the process was handled. Some argued it broke rules under the Political Parties Act or the Constitution. The court stepped in after a case questioned the legality. Judges found the merger did not follow proper procedures. They declared it invalid. ANC stays on the register of political parties. Any property, funds, or other assets moved to UDA have to go back.
This isn’t the first time courts have weighed in on party matters in Kenya. Political parties must follow strict rules for mergers or dissolutions. The law requires things like member approval, notice periods, and Registrar oversight.
The fallout could affect politics in Western Kenya, where ANC had a base. Mudavadi’s supporters might now rethink their position in the Kenya Kwanza alliance. UDA could face questions about how it manages coalitions. Some see this as a win for multi-party democracy. Others worry it creates uncertainty in the ruling side.
Assets are a big part of the ruling. When parties merge or dissolve, things like offices, bank accounts, vehicles, and membership records often transfer. The court ordered everything returned to ANC. That means UDA has to hand back whatever came from ANC. How that happens in practice will depend on talks between the parties or further court orders if needed.
Political analysts note this ruling reminds leaders to stick to the law. Kenya has seen other court decisions on party issues, like expulsions or recognitions in Parliament. For example, tribunals have reversed some UDA decisions on members. Courts tend to look closely when basic rights or procedures are at stake.
For ANC members, this means their party still exists legally. They can continue activities under the old name. Whether they try another merger or stay independent remains unclear. Mudavadi has not made a full public statement yet on the ruling. UDA officials might appeal or seek to resolve it quietly.
The decision highlights how fragile party alliances can be. Kenya’s politics often involve coalitions that shift. The 2022 elections showed how important party strength is.
Now members of ask if ANC remains registered political party or court ruling on ANC UDA merger ended the partnership. It shows public interest in fair processes. The court emphasized that changes must respect the Constitution and party laws.
As things stand, ANC is back as a separate entity. UDA loses the merged structure for now. Both sides will likely review next steps. More details could emerge if there’s an appeal. For ordinary Kenyans, it serves as a note that courts can check even powerful groups.
This ruling keeps the political landscape open. It ensures no party gets erased without proper steps. Assets returning means ANC can rebuild if it chooses. The full effects will play out over coming months.
