Wamalwa Says UDP Remains Sifuna’s Political Vehicle Ahead of 2027

DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa has said the United Democratic Party (UDP) remains available as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election, following the rejection of plans to rename the party Ukombozi People’s Party.

Speaking on Sulwe FM on Friday, Wamalwa said the opposition remained united despite disagreements surrounding political parties and branding.

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

His comments come after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejected a proposed change of UDP’s name to Ukombozi People’s Party. The Registrar said the proposed name resembled The Ukombozi Alliance, which had been reserved by another applicant.

UDP remains an option for Sifuna

Wamalwa said the failure to secure the Ukombozi name would not prevent Sifuna from contesting in 2027.

“The UDP will be used, but not Ukombozi,” he said.

He explained that efforts to rename UDP faced complications after the Ukombozi name became associated with another political formation.

Wamalwa also said DAP-K could be another option for Sifuna if the Nairobi senator chose to use the party.

“Apart from UDP, even DAP-K is also available for Sifuna,” he said.

The remarks come a day after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also said Sifuna would use UDP as his political vehicle. Natembeya said Sifuna was expected to launch the party in the coming week.

Ukombozi name dispute

The political vehicle debate intensified after Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition announced on September 21 that it had rebranded as The Ukombozi Alliance, under the leadership of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The move complicated plans by Sifuna's allies to rename UDP as Ukombozi People's Party.

The ORPP subsequently maintained that it had not approved or authorised UDP to use the Ukombozi People's Party name. The Registrar cited provisions of the Political Parties Act concerning party names that resemble those already registered or reserved.

A separate political outfit associated with Governor Natembeya has also disputed the use of the Ukombozi identity and has sought intervention from the Registrar.

Wamalwa calls for opposition unity

Wamalwa said the dispute over the political vehicle should not be interpreted as a breakdown within the opposition.

He said opposition leaders should concentrate on building a broad political coalition rather than engaging in personal disagreements.

The DAP-K leader also said he would be willing to step aside and support Sifuna if opposition leaders ultimately settled on the Nairobi senator as their presidential candidate.

Wamalwa cited his decision to withdraw from the 2013 presidential race in favour of former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi as an example of placing coalition interests ahead of individual ambitions.

Wider opposition negotiations

The developments come as opposition parties continue discussions over their respective political vehicles and a possible joint strategy ahead of the 2027 election.

Wamalwa mentioned Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Congress Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i among politicians whose participation he said would be important in building a broad opposition coalition.

He also called for restraint in criticism of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, saying the opposition would need support from different regions and political constituencies.

Wamalwa further argued that opposition parties would need to rely on organisation and political strategy rather than financial resources as they prepare for the election.

“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.

Sifuna expected to unveil political vehicle

The question of Sifuna’s political vehicle has become a central issue as the 2027 election approaches.

The Ukombozi setback followed weeks of uncertainty over which party would carry the Linda Mwananchi movement's political ambitions. Recent reports indicate that UDP is now being positioned as the vehicle, although Sifuna and his allies have yet to complete the broader political process surrounding his 2027 plans.

Wamalwa said the immediate priority should be settling the political vehicle before opposition leaders turn their attention to the wider question of a presidential ticket.

He also urged eligible Kenyans to register as voters and called on opposition leaders to focus on expanding their political support base.

The developments leave UDP at the centre of the latest phase of Sifuna's political preparations, while the wider opposition continues negotiations over alliances, party structures and the presidential contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.