Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has stirred controversy with his bold proclamation that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party will remain in power for the next 100 years.
The senator made this statement on January 29, 2025, drawing parallels to similar remarks made decades ago about the then-dominant Kenya African National Union (KANU).
“Chama tawala iko imara kama simba na wheelbarrow, and it shall rule for the next 100 years,” Cherargei declared on X, referencing UDA’s party symbols.
The claim echoes a 1990s prophecy by former KANU Secretary General Joseph Kamotho, who confidently asserted that KANU would rule for 100 years. At the time, many dismissed Kamotho’s prediction as mere political rhetoric, especially given KANU’s waning influence. However, in hindsight, Kenya’s leadership history has seemingly validated his sentiments.
Despite KANU losing power in 2002, successive presidents have been linked to the party’s legacy. President Mwai Kibaki, who governed from 2002 to 2013, was a former KANU vice president.
He was succeeded by Uhuru Kenyatta, KANU’s former national chairman, who ruled until 2022. President William Ruto, now in his second year of leadership, also traces his political roots back to KANU, where he served as a youth winger during the Moi era.
UDA, which merged with the Amani National Congress (ANC), secured power in the 2022 General Election under President Ruto’s leadership. As the 2027 elections approach, Ruto is expected to defend his seat under the UDA banner, reinforcing the party’s growing dominance.
While many critics in the comment section of Cherargei’s post dismissed his assertion as unrealistic, history suggests that political longevity is not impossible. If Kamotho’s prediction about KANU offers any lessons, Cherargei’s claim may warrant closer examination.
