Kalonzo plots opposition ticket grab, wants Sifuna as 2027 running mate

Opposition leaders led by Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka at a press conference on Monday /HANDOUT

At the centre of the row is the United Democratic Party (UDP), initially linked to politician Cyrus Jirongo (deceased), and now being reworked by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and his allies.

It is widely believed Sifuna was planning to use the rebranded party to contest next year’s presidential election.

But documents seen by the Star show the Ukombozi People’s Party name had a history of its own, dating back to March 2025.

It is emerging that on March 13, 2025, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties reserved the name Ukombozi People’s Party for Allan Jayuga Akivaga.

A letter from the ORPP gave Akivaga 90 days to complete the process. The process was not completed within that period, allowing the reservation to lapse.