Kenyan politics is once again drawing attention to Mombasa, where a fresh party manoeuvre involving several opposition figures is expected to take centre stage. According to political commentator Cornelius Ronoh, George Natembeya, Edwin Sifuna, Jack Wamboka and Majimbo Kalasinga are set to travel to Mombasa as they seek to convince officials of the former United Democratic Party (UDP), now renamed the United Progressive Party (UPP), to hand over control of the political outfit.
Ronoh claims that the group has already made financial commitments as part of efforts to secure the party. He alleges that Natembeya had paid Sh6 million to facilitate the arrangement, but that the amount has reportedly not satisfied the officials involved in the negotiations.
According to Ronoh, the officials are now demanding Sh50 million, with the negotiations potentially collapsing if the amount is not agreed upon. The claim places the emerging political deal under considerable scrutiny as the four leaders seek to establish a political vehicle of their own.
The reported negotiations come against the backdrop of increased political realignments ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. Politicians and political groups have been exploring different alliances, parties and platforms through which they can consolidate support and strengthen their positions.
Natembeya, the Trans Nzoia Governor, has increasingly featured in opposition political discussions, while Sifuna has remained an influential figure within national opposition politics. Wamboka and Kalasinga have also been associated with political activities in the western Kenya region.
Ronoh’s remarks portray the reported Mombasa meeting as an important step in the group’s attempt to obtain its own party structure. However, the financial figures and claims about the negotiations remain allegations attributed to Ronoh and would require confirmation from the individuals and party officials involved.
If the negotiations succeed, the party could become an additional platform for the politicians as they prepare for the next electoral cycle. If they fail, the group may have to consider alternative political arrangements.