Kenya’s major political parties are witnessing a growing wave of defections as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Jubilee Party, and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) are among the parties most affected by the shifting political landscape.
Political analysts say many leaders are seeking new political parties they believe will improve their chances of winning elective seats, while others are leaving due to internal divisions and changing political alliances.
Within ODM, leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction have announced plans to launch a new political party to contest next year’s General Election. Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has already joined the People’s Renaissance Movement (PM Party).
Other ODM leaders expected to leave the party include Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo.
Senator Osotsi said the planned party would serve as the political home for the Linda Mwananchi movement, arguing that ODM’s decision to work with President William Ruto had disappointed many of its supporters.
“The new party will provide a political home for leaders and supporters who believe ODM has departed from its original course,” Osotsi said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi also confirmed that he would not seek re-election on an ODM ticket.
Meanwhile, the ruling UDA continues to lose support in the Mount Kenya region, with several leaders distancing themselves from the party and gravitating toward the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro have both announced that they will not defend their seats under the UDA banner, although neither has officially declared the party they will join.
“The people of the Mount Kenya region have lost confidence in UDA,” Nyoro said.
Several leaders have already joined DCP, including Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, Senator James Murango, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru (Mejja Donk), Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu.
In Western Kenya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has announced his association with the proposed United Patriotic Movement (UPM), which is awaiting full registration.
Elsewhere, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Kiminini MP Bisau Kakai, both currently affiliated with DAP-K, have declared their intention to contest future elections on UDA tickets.
Former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, who currently serves in the East African Legislative Assembly through the Jubilee Party, has also joined DCP.
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje has likewise hinted at joining DCP after holding talks with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.
The latest defections underscore the fluid nature of Kenya’s political landscape as parties and politicians realign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
