Editor's Review

Natembeya has declared that Sifuna would vie for presidency on a UDP ticket.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has dismissed reports that Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna are set to take over the party's leadership, terming the claims baseless.

The party's vice chairman and acting deputy party leader, Mohammed Abikar, noted that UDP has proper procedures which members and newcomers must adhere to.

This follows a recent declaration by Natembeya that Sifuna would run on the UDP ticket in the 2027 presidential race.

The announcement came after Sifuna's team seemed to have failed to secure a political party ahead of the polls.

"Rumours are circulating that Governor George Natembeya and Senator Edwin Sifuna are taking over the leadership of the United Democratic Party. Let me be clear: no such arrangement exists," Abikar said.

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He maintained that the party's current officials remain legitimately in office, having been elected at UDP's last National Delegates Conference, held at Multimedia University in 2022.

UDP vice chair Mohammed Abikar in a past party function.

Abikar added that only a fresh delegates' conference has the mandate to fill the party leader's seat, left vacant following the death of UDP's substantive leader, the late Cyrus Jirongo.

Abikar was categorical that any succession must be guided strictly by the party's constitution and delegates' consensus, rather than arrangements negotiated outside the party's structures.

"Any transition to a new party leader must be deliberate, well-planned, and anchored on one conditional principle: delegates' consensus, not backroom deals. Any deliberate attempt by anyone to seize the party leadership through manipulation is engaged in an exercise in futility. UDP needs new leadership, but it must come through the party's rules and constitution, not shortcuts," he said.

Addressing Natembeya's declaration directly, Abikar said UDP was not opposed to new or returning members joining its ranks but insisted that such moves must be formalised through the party's established procedures rather than announced unilaterally.

"New and prodigal members who wish to join or return to UDP should not attempt a dubious, unnecessary process we call the 'backdoor'. This is politics. We all have our strengths; we all have a role to play. If anybody intends to join us, we know what to do. Nobody will join UDP through the backdoor. Anyone who wants to join us must come through the front door," he said.

Abikar reiterated that the party's constitution sets out a clear roadmap for filling the party leader's position and other seats left vacant by resignation or death and warned against any attempt to circumvent that process.

"The party constitution is clear on the roadmap for filling the party leader slot and other positions once vacant by resignation or death," he said. "Any shortcut will end in political bloodshed and a serious legal battle."

Abikar said UDP had already placed the matter in the hands of its legal team, signalling that the party was prepared to defend its leadership structure through the courts if necessary.

He nonetheless struck a conciliatory tone towards Natembeya and Sifuna, saying they remained welcome to join UDP through the proper channels.

"We welcome Natembeya, Sifuna, and all like-minded politicians with open arms, through the right party process. Hon. Cyrus Jirongo stood for uprightness, truth, and justice. No one will short-change loyal party members for quick political gains," he said.

"We have instructed our lawyers to be vigilant on this matter," added Abikar.