Speaker Kingi says PAA party will join UDA ahead of 2027 polls

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has declared that his Pamoja African Alliance will not field any candidates in the 2027 General Election, opting instead to fully align with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

The announcement, made during a public gathering in the coastal region, marks a significant shift for the party that gained prominence in the 2022 polls. Kingi stated clearly that individuals previously planning to vie under the Pamoja African Alliance banner will now contest through the United Democratic Alliance.

“I want to publicly announce that next year, PAA will not field any candidate in any position. Those who intended to vie through PAA will now do so under UDA,” he said.

Announcement stuns grassroots supporters

Speaking at an event attended by local leaders and supporters, many dressed in UDA’s signature yellow, Kingi addressed the visible confusion among loyalists who had rallied behind PAA in the last election cycle. He referenced the party’s past efforts, including its gubernatorial candidate in Kilifi, lawyer George Kithi.

Kingi noted the change in colours — from PAA’s traditional blue to UDA yellow — and reassured the crowd that the decision stemmed from extensive consultations rather than a unilateral move.

The Senate Speaker revealed that the resolution followed a series of meetings with President William Ruto in Nairobi. These discussions involved key stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, aimed at forging a unified front for the 2027 polls.

“We have had many meetings with the President on how we will approach the next elections as one people,” Kingi said, emphasizing inclusive dialogue at all levels.

He framed the alignment as a strategic step to avoid political fragmentation and advance development priorities, particularly in the Coast region where PAA had built strong support.

Mixed reactions

The move has triggered varied responses. While some view it as a pragmatic bid for greater influence within the national government, others lament the potential loss of PAA’s independent voice.

Critics, including a section of Kilifi residents, have called the decision selfish and accused Kingi of dissolving the party formed to champion coastal interests. One social media user remarked: “In short, he doesn’t want to tell us that he has folded the party.”

Kingi sought to calm concerns, insisting that supporters’ interests would remain protected under the new arrangement and that collaboration with the national government would deliver tangible development.

As Kenya gears up for the next General Election, Kingi’s declaration underscores the fluid nature of political alliances. The alignment could consolidate votes in the Coast while strengthening UDA’s position nationwide.

PAA, once a vocal player in regional politics, now appears poised to merge its structures into the ruling party, a development likely to reshape the electoral landscape in the coming months.