Wamalwa says UDP to be Sifuna's political vehicle, calls for opposition unity

DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa has reiterated that the United Democratic Party (UDP) will be used as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election, following the collapse of plans to rebrand the party as the Ukombozi People’s Party.

Speaking on Sulwe FM on Friday, Wamalwa said there was no division within the opposition over Sifuna’s political vehicle, insisting that leaders were focused on building a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The opposition is united and there is no war among us,” Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa said the UDP remained available to Sifuna after efforts to change its name to Ukombozi Party ran into a dispute over the use of the Ukombozi name.

“The UDP will be used, but not Ukombozi. There was some confusion after Hon. Natembeya wanted to rebrand UDP to Ukombozi Party, only to realise that the name Ukombozi had already been reserved by Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka since last year,” he said.

The dispute followed the decision by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to rebrand as The Ukombozi Alliance, a move announced by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on September 21.

A separate group associated with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also claimed that it had previously reserved the Ukombozi People’s Party name and has challenged the registration of the Ukombozi Alliance. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has maintained that it did not approve or authorise the use of the name Ukombozi People’s Party.

Wamalwa said the dispute over the name should not be interpreted as a split within the opposition.

“Let me be clear: We in the opposition are not fighting over a party name,” he said.

He said Sifuna had several options, including UDP and DAP-K, and indicated that he would be willing to accommodate the Nairobi senator should he choose to use DAP-K.

“There were those who were trying to block Hon. Sifuna from getting on the ballot, but that will not succeed. Apart from UDP, even DAP-K is also available for Sifuna,” Wamalwa said.

The DAP-K leader also said he would be prepared to step aside and support Sifuna if the opposition settled on him as its presidential candidate.

Wamalwa cited his decision in 2013 to withdraw his own presidential bid in favour of former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi as an example of what he described as putting coalition interests ahead of individual ambitions.

The remarks come as opposition leaders continue negotiations on a joint political strategy ahead of the 2027 election.

Wamalwa said the immediate focus should be on agreeing on a political vehicle for Sifuna before turning to the wider question of the opposition's presidential ticket.

“On 3rd, after the Tribunal ruling, Sifuna will give us the way forward regarding the party,” he said.

The Ukombozi setback is the latest complication for Sifuna's political plans. The senator and his allies in the Linda Mwananchi movement had been exploring a new political vehicle after disagreements within the opposition, with Sifuna previously linked to plans to use the Ukombozi People's Party.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has since said Sifuna will use UDP and is expected to be unveiled as the party's presidential aspirant in early October.

Wamalwa further called for opposition leaders to avoid personal attacks and instead work towards building a broad coalition capable of drawing support from different regions.

He singled out Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i among leaders whose participation he said would be important in building a nationwide opposition coalition.

He also urged opposition leaders to avoid attacking Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, arguing that the opposition would need to retain support from Nyanza and the Kamba community.

“Let us not abuse Babu Owino because we need the Nyanza bloc. If we lose the Nyanza and Kamba blocs, it will be very hard to defeat Ruto,” Wamalwa said.

Wamalwa also argued that the opposition could not match President Ruto's financial resources and would therefore need to rely on unity and strategy.

“Ruto is now among the richest presidents in Africa, money-wise. We cannot beat him with money. If we cannot come together and come up with strategies, it will be very hard to defeat him,” he said.

The DAP-K leader urged Kenyans who have not registered as voters to do so, saying the opposition should focus on strengthening its support base ahead of the 2027 polls.

He also said the withdrawal of ODM from Azimio should pave the way for members of the Linda Mwananchi movement to formally join the broader opposition camp.