The launch of a new political party by former Governor James Ongwae has set tongues wagging in Gusii, with political observers reading a hidden motive to derail the presidential ambitions of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Mr Ongwae unveiled the party — United Super Alliance Party (USAP) — in Nairobi on Thursday.
The move is widely viewed as a ploy to chip away at support and divide the Gusii vote that Dr Matiang’i is banking on as he positions himself for a presidential bid.
Mr Ongwae, who was the first Governor of Kisii County (2013–2022), went quiet after the gubernatorial candidate he endorsed was trounced by Mr Simba Arati in the 2022 General Election.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Despite having been a staunch supporter of former Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, Mr Ongwae later announced a new working relationship with President William Ruto’s government.
He was subsequently appointed chairman of the Universal Service Advisory Council (USAC) at the Communications Authority of Kenya, on November 15, 2023, a position he holds to date. He oversees strategic policies related to universal telecommunications access and service delivery under the Kenya Information and Communications Act.
During the unveiling of his party, Mr Ongwae said: “We will convene the National Delegates Convention before the end of the year to decide the way forward as to whether we shall have a presidential candidate or not.”
The former senior civil servant during the reign of ex- President Daniel arap Moi, said his party believes in neither the “one-term” nor the “two-term” narrative.
“Our party’s slogan is ‘Tuko Macho,’ which means we are watchful. And our campaign motto is ‘Fresh Term’. We do not embrace either one term or two terms. Ours is fresh term,” said Mr Ongwae.
The other parties are; the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which was previously associated with Dr Matiang’i but is now headed by Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo; the Kenya National Congress (KNC); the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); and the Kenya Social Congress, among others.
Musician Embarambamba dances with James Ongwae, then Kisii governor, in Kisii town on July 13, 2016.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The proliferation of parties has intensified competition for the Gusii vote, which has historically voted as a near-bloc and is now being courted by both the government and the opposition ahead of the polls.
Political analyst Omondi Okumu said: "The entry of USAP could further fragment the vote, making it harder for any single candidate to claim overwhelming support from the region.”
According to the party’s profile, USAP subscribes to “Afro-Social Democracy”, a philosophy that blends modern social justice and equality with African communal traditions.
Its core pillars are “Utu na Haki” (Human dignity and justice), “Uchumi Kwa Wote” (Economy for all), and “Uongozi wa Maadili “(Ethical leadership).
Mr Ongwae said the party aims to promote national unity, cohesion and inclusive development across Kenya.
He dismissed claims that the party was formed to undermine Dr Matiang’i, saying it was open to all Kenyans and would seek to work with like-minded formations.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i speaks during the handover of leadership of the Jubilee Party at the party headquarters in Nairobi on September 22, 2026.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
However, allies of Dr Matiang’i remain sceptical, arguing that the timing of the launch — just as the former CS is consolidating support in Gusii — is not coincidental.
Observers will now be watching whether USAP will field its own presidential candidate at its National Delegates Convention later this year or enter into a coalition before the polls.
