United Democratic Alliance (UDA): The Ruling Party of Kenya

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is the ruling political party in Kenya, known for its slogan “Kazi ni Kazi” (translated as “Work is Work” or “All hustles matter”). Founded in December 2020, UDA has quickly grown to become a dominant force in Kenya’s political landscape, largely due to its affiliation with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza coalition. The party’s symbol, a wheelbarrow, represents the value of hard work, dignity, and equality.

UDA’s success has been marked by its strong presence in both the National Assembly and the Senate following the 2022 general elections, where the party won 22 out of 47 Senate seats and 138 members of the National Assembly. This article explores the history, leadership, and key milestones of the United Democratic Alliance as it continues to shape Kenya’s political future.

History of the United Democratic Alliance

The roots of UDA trace back to February 2012, when it was originally established as the Party of Action (POA) by Hillary Yegon. The party aimed to contest the 2013 general elections, where it formed an alliance with the Kenya National Congress (KNC), known as the Eagle Alliance. This partnership nominated Peter Kenneth as its presidential candidate. However, the alliance’s candidate finished fourth in the presidential race, with 0.6% of the vote, and the POA garnered less than 0.05% of the vote, failing to secure any parliamentary seats.

In the run-up to the 2017 general elections, the party underwent a name change to Party of Development and Reforms (PDR). It allied with President Uhuru Kenyatta, endorsing his re-election bid, and won four seats in the National Assembly and one Senate seat. Despite modest success, the PDR remained a relatively minor player on Kenya’s political stage.

The real transformation for the party came in December 2020, when it was rebranded as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This rebranding signaled a shift in strategy and direction, laying the foundation for its eventual rise as a leading political force in Kenya.

The Leadership of UDA

The leadership of UDA is firmly under the guidance of President William Ruto, who serves as the party leader. Cecily Mutitu Mbarire is the current Chairperson, while Hassan Omar Hassan serves as the Secretary-General. Ruto’s leadership has been pivotal in driving UDA’s growth, particularly after he announced his departure from the Jubilee Party in late 2021 to focus on UDA. His decision to pick Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate during the 2022 general elections was a strategic move that solidified the party’s political strength.

Other key figures in the party include Kithure Kindiki (Deputy Party Leader), Japheth Nyakundi (Treasurer), and Omboko Milemba (Deputy Secretary-General). Together, they form the National Executive Committee (NEC), which plays a central role in shaping UDA’s policy decisions and direction.

UDA’s Rise to Power

The 2022 general elections marked a turning point for UDA, as it emerged as a dominant political party in Kenya. UDA became a significant member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, which successfully won the presidential elections with William Ruto defeating Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja coalition. Ruto’s victory in the presidential race was largely attributed to his grassroots appeal and UDA’s focus on empowering the “hustler” community—ordinary Kenyans working in various sectors of the economy.

During the elections, UDA also made significant gains in parliamentary seats, further solidifying its position as the leading political party in Kenya. The party’s wheelbarrow symbol became synonymous with Ruto’s “hustler” movement, which resonated with many Kenyans who were dissatisfied with the political elite and their lack of attention to everyday struggles.

UDA’s Role in the Kenya Kwanza Coalition

UDA is a key member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, which is the ruling coalition in Kenya, led by President William Ruto. The coalition also includes other political parties such as Amani National Congress (ANC), Ford Kenya, and Democratic Party of Kenya (DPK). Through this coalition, UDA has been able to implement key policies aimed at improving the economic situation of ordinary Kenyans, particularly those in the informal sector.

The coalition’s success in the 2022 elections reflected the growing popularity of UDA’s policies, which focus on economic empowerment, job creation, and reducing the cost of living for Kenyan families. As part of the ruling coalition, UDA has played a crucial role in driving the government’s agenda in Parliament and the Senate.

UDA’s Impact on Kenyan Politics

UDA has already made a significant impact on Kenyan politics, reshaping the political landscape with its focus on grassroots mobilization and the empowerment of ordinary citizens. The party has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan politics, particularly through its influence in parliamentary elections and its role in government policies. With the election of William Ruto as president, UDA’s ability to influence national decision-making is set to continue growing.

The party’s slogan, “Kazi ni Kazi”, captures its central message of valuing hard work and striving for an inclusive society where all Kenyans can succeed through determination and effort. UDA’s success has inspired other political parties to focus on similar messages of empowerment, and the party’s popularity continues to rise, especially among Kenya’s youth.