By Andrew Mbuva
The Maendeleo Chap-Chap Party has firmly declared that it will not dissolve or merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), despite growing political realignments within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition that have seen several affiliate parties fold and join President William Ruto’s outfit.
In a strong statement delivered during the party’s Governing Council Meeting, Secretary General Nyamu Mati said the party had carefully considered requests to fold into UDA but resolved to remain an independent political entity while continuing to support the Kenya Kwanza Coalition government.
The high-level meeting was attended by senior party officials, including Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who also serves as the party leader.
Mati said the party’s decision was informed by consultations with its supporters across the country, the prevailing political environment, and the constitutional right to political association as guaranteed under Article 38 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
“We have listened to the ground and evaluated the role of Maendeleo Chap-Chap Party and democratic voices in the country,” Mati said. “Maendeleo Chap-Chap will not fold and will continue to operate as a freestanding political party while remaining a member of the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.”
The declaration comes at a time when political parties allied to Kenya Kwanza are increasingly coming under pressure to consolidate under UDA in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
However, Maendeleo Chap-Chap leaders maintained that preserving the party’s identity was critical in strengthening democracy and giving Kenyans alternative political platforms within the coalition framework.
The party further announced ambitious plans to field candidates in all elective positions during the 2027 elections. These include gubernatorial seats, Senate positions, Members of the National Assembly, Women Representative seats, and Members of County Assemblies across the country.
Party officials called on aspiring leaders interested in contesting under a “democratic and development-minded” party to begin preparing themselves to seek nominations through Maendeleo Chap-Chap.
The leadership also directed members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization and popularize the party nationwide, arguing that many political parties had already lost their identity after being absorbed into larger formations.
“We shall publicize our party and give opportunity to those who do not belong to any political parties to join Maendeleo Chap-Chap,” Mati stated.
The announcement is expected to reshape political conversations within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition, as it signals growing determination by some affiliate parties to retain their autonomy even as coalition politics continue to evolve ahead of the next general election.
