Lusaka next? Anxiety grows as Ford Kenya cracks widen, top officials abandon Wetang’ula

The once formidable Ford Kenya party is grappling with a deepening internal crisis following a wave of high-profile resignations by senior national officials, many of whom have cited dissatisfaction with the leadership style of party leader Moses Wetang’ula.

The latest exits have seen key members defect to rival political outfits, particularly the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), raising questions about the party’s stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Among those who have already left is former Secretary General Chris Wamalwa, who officially crossed over to UDA, describing his decision as “guided by the need to align with a progressive political movement that prioritizes inclusivity and development.”

“I have served the party diligently, but leadership must inspire confidence and consultation. Unfortunately, that space no longer exists,” he said.

Deputy Secretary General Elizabeth Iminza also resigned and joined the United Democratic Party (UDP), citing personal political convictions and the need for “fresh engagement with grassroots supporters.”

The exodus extended to the National Executive Council (NEC), where National Youth League President Chekai Musa stepped down, saying young leaders needed “a more participatory political environment.”

Similarly, Deputy National Secretary for Trade Almas Hadad resigned from the NEC and joined UDA, noting that “politics should be about empowerment, not control.”

Deputy National Organizing Secretary David Burare also vacated his position, though he did not immediately declare his next political move.

Financial leadership was not spared, with First Deputy National Treasurer Joyce Cheruto resigning and deregistering from the party, saying she had made “a personal decision to pursue other political paths.”

The National Vice Chair and former Trans Nzoia Senator Henry Ole Ndiema equally resigned and quit party membership altogether, lamenting what he termed “erosion of internal democracy.”

Technology and research docket head Ismael Arale resigned from his NEC position and joined the United Democratic Movement (UDM), saying his move was motivated by “ideological alignment and leadership vision.”

NEC member for Water, Environment and Natural Resources Jane Nampaso and Trans Nzoia branch Secretary General Joseph Pepela both defected to UDA, while Sports, Gender and Culture docket holder Luke Opwora also resigned from his role.

Political analysts say the departures signal deeper structural tensions within the party, with insiders pointing to centralized decision-making and lack of consultation as major grievances.

“The exits reflect a party struggling with internal cohesion. When senior leadership feels sidelined, the rank and file inevitably follow,” said a political observer familiar with Western Kenya politics.

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that more senior figures could be on their way out, including Deputy Party Leader and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, though he has not publicly confirmed any intention to leave.

Efforts to reach Ford Kenya leadership for comment were unsuccessful by press time.

The unfolding developments threaten to significantly weaken the party’s influence in its traditional strongholds, particularly in Western Kenya.