With just nine months to the next General Election, top political parties are facing mass exodus as aspirants scout for popular outfits for 2027 survival.
Party headquarters have in the last couple of days become a beehive of activity as they begin to receive defectors ahead of the August 10, polls.
At the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party headquarters in Nairobi, top officials have been holding meetings and receiving members who have defected from other parties, in an effort to strengthen the outfit's support base and maintain its national outlook.
The priority has been to court leaders from other political parties, with the latest development coming from West Pokot County, where former Senator Samuel Poghisio led seven sitting Members of the County Assembly, and a number of aspirants in joining ODM party.
Although the outfit will for the first time go to polls without its founding leader Raila Odinga, its officials remain optimistic of retaining its national influence.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga (second right) shares a light moment with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja (right), Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati (second left) and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed following Sakaja’s official defection to the party from UDA at Chungwa House in Nairobi on November 2, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
According to the ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, the party will prove the naysayers wrong who have claimed that Baba’s departure signified the death of the party that has dominated the country's politics for more than 20 years.
“ODM I very firm and we are telling them to wait and see. We are open to receive more members to the party. Next week, we will receive seven MPs who have expressed desire to join ODM from other parties,” Mr Arati said.
Mr Poghisio said he will vie for the governor seat under ODM ticket in the next election, but maintained that the region would support President William Ruto’s bid for the second term in office.
“ODM has been a strong party in West Pokot. It is not my first time in orange, I was one of you some years back before ODM split and I was the national chairperson of the ODM-Kenya. We now want to make ODM to deliver governor seat in West Pokot, and we will have 20 MCAs and four MPs,” Mr Poghisio said, adding that Raila was loved unconditionally by the residents of West Pokot.
The reception of delegates from West Pokot comes a day after a flurry of activities at Chung’wa House which saw the party leaders receiving Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who ditched United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party of President Ruto.
Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, who won her seat on Kanu ticket is also among the leaders who have expressed interest in joining ODM.
On Monday, Silas Jakakimba was also officially received in ODM after quitting UDA, announcing that he will vie for Suba North MP seat in 2027, which is currently being held by Millie Odhiambo.
The Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party of Gem MP David Ochieng Ouma has also been receiving defectors from other political parties. On Tuesday, MDG received MPs Oku Kaunya (Teso North) and Joseph Oyula (Butula). The two were elected on ODM.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also expected to receive a number of aspirants from other parties.
Recently, Mr Gachagua claimed that tents of sitting MPs who were elected on UDA ticket were waiting for the appropriate time to cross to the other side.
In Nairobi, all the three Jubilee elected MPs have said they will be defending their seats on DCP. They include Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Mark Mwenje (Embakasi Central) and Amos Mwago (Starehe).
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Gachagua has claimed that his party will swipe majority of the seats in Nairobi and Mt Kenya region. Among UDA MPs in Nairobi who have expressed interests for the DCP ticket includes Kariobangi North MP James Gakuya, who would be seeking to be the governor of Nairobi County.
A number of aspirants are also expected to join the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) of Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
The daughter of the late Raila, Winnie Odinga, who is also the MP for East African Legislative Assembly has hinted that she would vie for the Nairobi senate seat either on ODM or Linda Mwananchi party.
While she remains undecided, Ms Odinga has asked her supporters and social media followers to help her choose a suitable party for the 2027 election.
