Set Back To President Ruto as Court Declares ANC Merger With UDA Invalid, Orders Party Restored to Register.
The High Court has ruled that the dissolution of the Amani National Congress (ANC) and its subsequent merger into the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was carried out unlawfully, effectively reinstating ANC as an independent political party.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye found that the process leading to the merger failed to comply with constitutional standards and statutory procedures governing political party dissolution and amalgamation.
The court held that ANC was never legally dissolved and therefore continues to exist as a registered political party under Kenyan law.
As a consequence, the judge nullified a gazette notice issued by the Registrar of Political Parties that had formally endorsed the merger, declaring it invalid.
Justice Mwamuye directed the Registrar to immediately correct the official political parties register to reflect ANC’s continued legal status and ensure enforcement of the court’s findings.
The ruling also addressed the fate of ANC’s property, ordering that all party assets allegedly transferred to UDA following the merger be returned.
The court further prohibited any individual or institution from selling, transferring, or interfering with ANC’s assets until full compliance with the orders is achieved.
According to the judgment, any dealings involving ANC property after February 6, 2025, would amount to a violation of the court’s directives.
ANC, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, had announced its decision to dissolve and join UDA,headed by President William Ruto,in January 2025, presenting the move as part of broader political realignment ahead of future elections.
The merger was later gazetted in March 2025, after which ANC ceased operating as a standalone party and its leadership and structures were absorbed into UDA.
However, dissenting ANC members challenged the process in court, arguing that the dissolution violated Article 91 of the Constitution and was implemented without proper internal approvals, transparency, or lawful handling of party resources.
With the High Court now overturning the merger, the decision is expected to have far-reaching political implications, particularly as UDA prepares for internal party meetings and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The ruling reopens questions around ANC’s leadership, organisational structures and political positioning following its court-ordered reinstatement.
