New Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya (New Ford Kenya)

New Ford Kenya (NFK) was a political party in Kenya that played an important role in the country’s political landscape, particularly from 2006 to its eventual dissolution in 2016. The party, which was a splinter group of FORD-Kenya, emerged as a significant player in Kenyan politics, especially after the formation of the Amani Coalition in 2013.

The party’s leadership included Eugene Wamalwa, who eventually became its most prominent figure, alongside Soita Shitanda, Boni Khalwale, and other key figures. It aligned itself with social democracy and third-way politics, positioning itself in the centre of the political spectrum.

History and Formation

New Ford Kenya was founded in December 2006 by 12 former MPs from the FORD-Kenya party. It aimed to represent the interests of those dissatisfied with the direction of the parent party. Despite its initial efforts to gain influence, New Ford Kenya did not field a presidential candidate in the 2007 general elections. However, it made notable inroads by securing two seats in the National Assembly.

Growth and Political Influence

By 2011, Eugene Wamalwa joined the party and announced his intention to run as its presidential candidate in the 2013 general elections. His entry brought increased attention to the party, particularly in his home regions of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties. This resulted in the party gaining more support, with the membership increasing to 67,345 members by October 2012. Additionally, New Ford Kenya won three civic seats in the same counties.

The 2013 elections were a crucial turning point for the party. In the run-up to the elections, New Ford Kenya worked with other like-minded parties, including the National Alliance, United Republican Party, and Wiper Democratic Movement. Although the party was excluded from the Jubilee Alliance, it joined the Amani Coalition, which also included the National Vision Party, United Democratic Movement, and Kenya African National Union. The coalition selected Musalia Mudavadi as its presidential candidate, but Mudavadi finished fourth with 4% of the vote.

In the parliamentary elections, New Ford Kenya won one seat in the Senate and seven in the National Assembly, marking a modest success. However, this result indicated the challenges the party faced in gaining broader national support.

Mergers and Dissolution

Despite the early successes, New Ford Kenya struggled to maintain its political relevance in the years following the 2013 elections. In 2016, the party made the decision to merge with Jubilee Party, a move that solidified its alignment with the ruling party. The merger marked the end of New Ford Kenya as a separate entity.

The decision to merge with Jubilee was part of a broader trend in Kenyan politics, where several smaller parties chose to align themselves with the dominant political forces to enhance their influence. This merger allowed New Ford Kenya to remain relevant in the ever-changing Kenyan political landscape.

Legacy and Notable Figures

The legacy of New Ford Kenya is largely defined by its role in the Amani Coalition and its influence in the western region of Kenya, particularly among the Kikuyu and Luhya communities. Key figures from the party, like Eugene Wamalwa and Boni Khalwale, have continued to play significant roles in Kenyan politics, even after the merger with Jubilee.

Conclusion

New Ford Kenya played a notable role in Kenya’s political history, especially as a founding member of the Amani Coalition and its involvement in the 2013 elections. Despite facing challenges in establishing itself as a dominant force, the party’s legacy is marked by its merger with Jubilee Party and its contributions to the political landscape of Kenya. The party’s dissolution was a result of the shifting dynamics within Kenyan politics, as alliances and coalitions became more fluid in the years leading up to 2016.