Mudavadi warns against weakening Ruto’s UDA in broad-based coalition

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has cautioned political figures against weakening President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as the ruling coalition prepares for the 2027 General Election. Mudavadi emphasized that Ruto cannot effectively lead a broad-based coalition while his party lacks the necessary candidates, grassroots structures, and political strength.

During the UDA Western Region Aspirants Engagement on Saturday, September 5, 2026, Mudavadi urged UDA politicians to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He highlighted that President Ruto is the clear candidate for the presidency within the broad-based arrangement and that it would be politically unwise for him to lead a coalition while his party is weakened.

Mudavadi argued that Ruto's leadership would suffer if his party lacked sufficient candidates and structures. He also cautioned against repeating the mistakes of former President Mwai Kibaki, who struggled in the Grand Coalition Government between 2008 and 2013 due to his party's limited political strength. Mudavadi stressed that UDA must secure enough elected leaders in the National Assembly, Senate, and county assemblies to bolster its position within the coalition.

He linked the party's political strength to its bargaining power and its ability to continue President Ruto's development agenda beyond 2030. Mudavadi urged UDA aspirants to become more active at the grassroots level and to activate their own movement rather than waiting for opportunities to be created by the party.