The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to amend its party constitution as political realignments and defections intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The announcement was made through a Gazette notice dated August 14 and issued under the Political Parties Act (Cap 7D), formally giving members of the public an opportunity to submit their views before the proposed changes are effected.
The Registrar of Political Parties invoked Section 20(1)(a) of the Act, which provides the legal framework for political parties seeking to amend their constitutions after notifying the public.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Section 20(1) (a) of the Political Parties Act, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) intends to make changes to its party constitution,” the notice stated in part.
Kenyans seeking to challenge or raise concerns over the proposed amendments have seven days from the date of publication to submit written objections to the Registrar. The deadline is August 21.
The move comes shortly after UDA and ODM agreed to form the Kenya Kwanza-ODM Alliance as their vehicle for the 2027 General Election.
The agreement was reached during the Naivasha Broad-Based Parliamentary Group (PG) Meeting on August 11, where the two parties unanimously resolved to nominate five representatives each to work on the coalition's manifesto, which will later be presented to Kenyans.
UDA's planned constitutional changes also come as the Kenya Kwanza administration faces a wave of defections less than a year before the 2027 polls. Among those who have recently left the ruling party are Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe and former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha are also among prominent political figures who have moved to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party.
Process of Changing a Party's Constitution
Political parties seeking to amend their constitutions are required to follow established internal democratic procedures before notifying the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, in line with Section 20 of the Political Parties Act.
The process starts within the party, with the relevant organ, such as the National Delegates Convention (NDC) or National Executive Council (NEC), convened in accordance with the party's existing constitution.
The organ must then formally vote on the proposed amendments while ensuring compliance with the two-thirds gender principle and other democratic requirements. The proceedings must also be documented through signed minutes and resolutions.
Once the internal process is completed, the party submits a written application and the amended constitution to the Registrar of Political Parties for review. It must also publish a notice of the proposed amendments in at least two nationwide newspapers.
Upon receiving the application, the Registrar is required to publish details of the proposed changes in the Kenya Gazette within 14 days, notifying the public and party members that the amendments are under consideration.
Members of the public and the party can then lodge objections within the prescribed statutory period. Once any valid objections are addressed, or where none are raised, the Registrar can formally record and adopt the amendments.
For further information on the proposed changes, members of the public have been advised to visit the Registrar of Political Parties' offices at Lion Place along Waiyaki Way, 4th Floor, between 8am and 5pm on weekdays.
