On February 3, 2026, the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) explicitly denied widespread reports that it is planning to fold and merge with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
PAA official Sammy Tungule described rumors of an advanced-stage merger as “untrue.” He emphasized that the party, associated with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, remains a distinct entity focused on coastal representation.
Instead of dissolving, the party announced it will launch a major voter mobilisation drive in the Coast region, with a National Delegates Meeting scheduled for February 13, 2026.
In a significant boost to PAA’s independence, former Gender CS Aisha Jumwa recently ditched UDA to join PAA. She stated her desire to be part of a “homegrown party” while continuing to support President William Ruto.
Party leadership has consistently argued that Coast residents would be politically weaker without their own platform to negotiate within the Kenya Kwanza administration, especially following the UDA-ODM broad-based cooperation.
Despite the official denial, some reports suggest that internal pressure exists for affiliate parties to fold to create a single, massive political vehicle for 2027, similar to the recently contested ANC-UDA dissolution.Â
PAA currently holds several parliamentary and ward seats in Kilifi and Kwale counties and intends to field a candidate in the upcoming Magarini Constituency by-election to demonstrate its continued autonomy.
By Anthony Solly
