President William Ruto addresses aspirants for the 2027 General Election at State House, Nairobi on February 04, 2026.
The country’s top political parties have invited applications from aspirants seeking to run on their ticket in what is turning out to be a major scramble for candidates ahead of the 2027 polls
President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) are among the major parties that have opened a window for applications.
Top officials of the parties indicate that the exercise is part of their larger strategy to gauge their popularity across the country. The outfits are also out to scout for loyal and committed party members, who are unlikely to bolt out should they lose in the party primaries.
ODM of Dr Oburu Oginga was the latest to open their portal for applications, with the outfit asking those interested to run to enlist and start engaging the party for free and credible nominations.
“As we prepare for the next phase of leadership, we welcome committed men and women ready to serve with integrity, champion devolution, and stand firm for the rights of all Kenyans,” ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaks during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi.
“ODM is not just a political party — it is a family that believes leadership is about service, not privilege. To every aspiring leader who wants to make a difference, this is the party to be in. Register today and be part of shaping Kenya’s future,” she added.
Aspirants forum
UDA in February created the ‘UDA Aspirants Forum’ and asked those seeking to run on the party ticket to register.
More than 12,000 politicians – including big names who lost in the 2022 contest and others currently serving but seeking higher positions – had by February 4 applied to run on the ruling outfit.
Data by the ruling party showed that a total 149 individuals had applied to contest for the 47 governor positions, while 279 registered to run for the available 47 senate slots.
In the Women's Representative race, a total of 323 had applied, while the 290 constituencies attracted 1372 aspirants, with the largest number of 10230 seeking the party ticket to run for the 1450 wards spread across the country. Cumulatively, 12353 had applied by February 4.
The party’s decision to create the forum was designed to create a strong grassroots network for President Ruto’s re-election as well as to gauge the outfit’s influence across the country ahead of the 2027 contest.
Unpopular in Mt Kenya
The registration has since exposed UDA's dwindling fortunes in the populous Mt Kenya.
Data by the party show that political bigwigs in the region seem to be shunning the outfit that swept President William Ruto and a majority of Mt Kenya elected leaders to power in 2022.
According to the data, no single aspirant had by February applied to run for Embu, Murang’a, Laikipia and Nyandarua governor seats, while Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Meru attracted only one aspirant each. Nakuru and Kiambu had, however, attracted three aspirants by that time. There is, however, a likelihood that more aspirants could show interest in running on the party ticket.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata is one of UDA elected leaders who have announced they would not defend their seats on UDA.
“I wish to state that when the appropriate time comes, I will not seek to defend my seat on the party's ticket. I will, at a later stage, communicate the platform through which I will present myself to the electorate,” said the governor during a recent press briefing in Nairobi.
Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang’ata.
Although still a member of the ruling UDA, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has also emerged as one of the fiercest critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The MP, who served as the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations chairperson before falling out with Dr Ruto, has been consistent in questioning some economic policy decisions by the administration.
In the run-up to the 2022 contest, Mr Nyoro was one of the names Dr Ruto floated as a running mate. It is, however, not yet clear if he would also ditch the party in the run-up to the next polls.
DCP last month put up a notice inviting aspirants to register for the party ticket.
“As we prepare to field candidates for Governor, Senator, Member of the National Assembly, Woman Representative, and Member of County Assembly (MCA) seats nationwide, this is your opportunity to join early, align with a focused movement, and play a vital role in shaping leadership that truly delivers for the people in 2027,” DCP said.
In the notice, the party indicated that those seeking to run for governor are required to pay Sh50,000 as a registration fee, while those interested in running for Senator, Member of National Assembly, or Woman Representative are required to pay Sh10,000.
Those running for MCA are required to pay Sh5,000. Youth and people with disability (PWD) will pay half the required fees, according to the party.
DCP Secretary-General Hezron Obaga told Nation that the imposed registration fee is meant to ensure commitment. He described the response by aspirants to run on the ticket as overwhelming.
“We decided to do a small fee so that we know those committed and serious about running in our party. The figures are within the range, and we are also a big party,” said Mr Obaga.
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