The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to amend its party constitution as political realignments and defections gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The announcement came via the Gazette, dated August 14,  published under the Political Parties Act (Cap 7D), formally opening the door for Kenyans to weigh in before any changes take effect.

To see the expected changes come into effect, the Registrar invoked Section 20(1)(a) of the Act, the specific legal clause that allows a political party to amend its founding constitution once it has notified the public.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Section 20(1) (a) of the Political Parties Act, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) intends to make changes to its party constitution,” the notice stated in part.

📌 What You Need to Know

Thus, Kenyans who wish to raise concerns or objections about the proposed amendments have only seven days from the date of publication, which is until August 21, to submit written views to the Registrar's office.

The timing comes at a time when the UDA and ODM formed the Kenya Kwanza-ODM Alliance, a vehicle for the 2027 general elections , during the Naivasha Broad-Based PG Meeting on August 11, where both parties unanimously agreed to nominate five members from each side to discuss the coalition’s manifesto, which they will present to Kenyans once it is done.

It also comes against the backdrop of the Kenya Kwanza administration grappling with mass defections barely a year to the 2027 general elections, including leaders such as Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe and former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, who have already walked away from the ruling party in recent weeks.

Governors Irungu Kang'ata of Murang'a and Kiarie Badilisha of Nyandarua are among the prominent names who have since crossed over to Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party.

Political parties in Kenya seeking to amend their constitutions must follow strict internal democratic procedures before formally notifying the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, as required under Section 20 of the Political Parties Act.

The process begins internally, with parties required to convene relevant organs, such as the National Delegates Convention (NDC) or National Executive Council (NEC) , as stipulated in their existing constitutions, before any amendments can be considered valid or binding.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke