In a ruling on January 22, 2026, the High Court of Kenya declared the attempted dissolution of Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) unconstitutional, officially reaffirming the party’s legal status and keeping its political future firmly alive ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Court Reinstates ANC’s Legal Status
The judgment overturned a Gazette Notice from March 7, 2025, which had declared that ANC resolved to dissolve itself following a Special National Delegates Congress earlier that year. The High Court found that the purported dissolution did not adhere to constitutional and Political Parties Act requirements, rendering the move null and void.
The ruling emphasised that ANC’s legal personality had never been legitimately extinguished, confirming that the party remains fully registered and recognised under Kenyan law. It also invalidated the Gazette Notice and protected the party’s assets from any interference.
Implications for Musalia Mudavadi and OKA
The decision provides a major boost to ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, who has been positioning himself as a presidential contender and a key figure in the One Kenya Alliance (OKA). Mudavadi’s leadership was expected to be formally endorsed by ANC delegates on January 23, 2026, a move that would add momentum to his 2027 campaign bid.
OKA — an alliance that also includes Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kanu Supremo Gideon Moi, and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula — has been working to consolidate its presence as an alternative to the main political blocs as the elections edge closer. The court’s ruling now preserves ANC’s organisational structure and electoral machinery at a crucial time.
Political Reactions and Stakes
Political analysts argue the ruling strengthens the coalition’s negotiating power ahead of alliance talks and primary elections. “This gives ANC and Mudavadi breathing space,” said one political commentator. “They now have the institutional legitimacy to solidify their base and articulate their agenda for 2027.”
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Mudavadi himself has asserted that the 2027 presidential race should be decided by the electorate, not a select few, signalling his intention to run on an open, issues-based platform. His allies have suggested that his endorsement at the ANC National Delegates Congress will mark a pivotal moment in the pre-election calendar.
Broader Political Context
The ruling also comes amid heightened political realignment in Kenya, with major parties negotiating coalitions, reshaping party structures and setting agendas for the next general election. With the ODM–UDA talks, shifting loyalties and fresh nominations reshaping the landscape, ANC’s survival adds another layer of complexity to the race.
With two years to go before the polls, legal victories such as this one could well influence how political alliances evolve, who becomes viable presidential material, and how Kenyan voters perceive party stability and leadership legitimacy.