TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya (FORD–Kenya) party officials have firmly stated that they will not bow to pressure to dissolve and merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The party, one of Kenya’s oldest political outfits, insisted on maintaining its independence while remaining open to future coalitions.

Speaking to the press in Kitale, FORD Kenya deputy leader and Kwanza constituency member of Parliament, Ferdinand Wanyonyi, reaffirmed that while the party is currently part of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, it will not be coerced into folding.

"Yes, we are in Kenya Kwanza Alliance, but moving forward, we are open to other coalitions. FORD Kenya is the second oldest party in this country, and we shall never fold it up to join another party. Whoever is pushing that agenda should focus on other matters," Wanyonyi declared.

He also took a swipe at unnamed political leaders who have been criticising FORD Kenya and its leader, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

"We have no problem with you and your political party. So why attack our party and our leader, Moses Masika Wetang’ula?" he posed.

Wanyonyi’s sentiments were echoed by the party’s Executive Director Edward Munabi and Youth League Chairperson Harrison Wesa. They dismissed unwarranted attacks on the party and its leadership, warning that they would not tolerate further political hostility.

"As a party founded on democracy, we will no longer entertain baseless attacks on our party and officials. Never again mention FORD Kenya or Wetang’ula in your cheap politics," they asserted.

The remarks appeared to be directed at Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya, who has been openly critical of Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Natembeya has previously accused them of being self-serving and neglecting the interests of the Western Kenya region. As part of his political campaign, he has spearheaded the "Tawe" movement, aimed at challenging the duo's influence in the region.

Once considered a FORD Kenya stronghold, Trans Nzoia county witnessed a decline in the party’s performance in the last elections. In response, the party is now focusing on restructuring, conducting grassroots elections, and recruiting new members to regain its former dominance.

In a related story, Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) party officially merged with President William Ruto-led UDA.

The merger was formalised after the ANC’s national delegates congress resolved to dissolve the party on February 7, with the decision gazetted by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

Lamu governor Issa Timamy, who succeeded Mudavadi as ANC leader, was appointed one of the deputy party leaders in the newly unified UDA.

Source: TUKO.co.ke