Natembeya Names UDP as Sifuna’s Possible 2027 Presidential Vehicle

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna could use the United Democratic Party (UDP) as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential race, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has said.

Natembeya made the disclosure on Thursday, September 24, as Sifuna’s political camp races to settle on a party amid a growing contest over the Ukombozi name.

The governor said UDP remains available despite the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejecting an application to change its name to Ukombozi People’s Party.

“The party is there; Sifuna’s party is called the United Democratic Party. It is the one that we shall use,” Natembeya said during a radio interview.

He added that Sifuna could either contest using UDP or through a broader opposition coalition if one is eventually agreed.

“When we go to the negotiating table to decide who the presidential candidate will be, I believe it will be Edwin Sifuna,” Natembeya said.

The remarks, however, do not amount to a formal declaration by Sifuna himself. The Nairobi senator has yet to publicly confirm that UDP will be his final presidential vehicle.

Ukombozi name blocked

The development follows a setback for Sifuna’s allies earlier this month.

The ORPP rejected an application by UDP to adopt the name Ukombozi People’s Party.

The Registrar said the proposed name was too similar to The Ukombozi Alliance, the name adopted by the former Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

The decision has left Sifuna’s political team looking for a way to secure a recognised electoral vehicle ahead of the 2027 election.

The Ukombozi name has consequently become a point of contention within the opposition.

Sifuna’s allies have sought intervention from the Registrar over The Ukombozi Alliance name, while the political camp associated with the senator continues to explore alternatives.

Sifuna faces October deadline

The party question is becoming increasingly urgent.

Reports have indicated that Sifuna’s team plans to unveil its political vehicle in early October, with October 1 previously cited as the expected launch date.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has confirmed that a party announcement is being prepared, but has cautioned against speaking on Sifuna’s behalf before the senator makes his own position clear.

“People should stop speaking for Sifuna,” Osotsi told The Star earlier this week, while confirming plans to unveil the party.

The timing is significant because parties preparing to participate in the 2027 General Election face electoral and regulatory deadlines.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has set October 15 as the deadline for parties to submit details of their authorised officials and specimen signatures.

That leaves Sifuna’s camp with limited time to settle its political structure.

Opposition parties seek one candidate

Natembeya says the search for a party does not mean the opposition will enter the election as separate camps.

He argued that opposition parties can retain their individual identities while negotiating under a wider political arrangement.

“Everyone is trying to form their own parties; regardless of the parties they form, they are still in the opposition,” he said.

Natembeya pointed to the former Azimio coalition as an example of different parties working under one umbrella.

He said the current opposition was pursuing a similar arrangement and would eventually negotiate around a single presidential candidate.

“We shall make sure that we have one presidential candidate,” he said.

His comments place Sifuna among the politicians being discussed as a possible opposition presidential flagbearer, but the final choice remains subject to negotiations between the different political formations.

Linda Mwananchi tensions

The party question has also exposed differences within Linda Mwananchi, the movement associated with Sifuna and several opposition politicians.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has established The Mwananchi Party and has said he will use it to pursue the Nairobi governorship.

He has nevertheless continued to support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions and has proposed that the two parties work together under a wider Linda Mwananchi arrangement.

Other opposition parties are also positioning themselves for possible coalition talks.

The wider field includes formations associated with Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition leaders.

For Sifuna, the immediate issue is therefore more than choosing a party name.

He must secure a legally recognised political vehicle, finalise his party structure and then negotiate how that vehicle will fit into the wider opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election.

For now, Natembeya has put UDP back at the centre of that conversation.

Whether it becomes Sifuna’s final ticket, however, remains to be confirmed by the senator and through the relevant party and electoral processes.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.