NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu has officially left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), setting the stage for a parliamentary bid in Tharaka Nithi County ahead of the next General Election.
NEDP leader Mike Sonko announced Kananu’s defection on Wednesday, saying the former Nairobi County boss will seek the Mara Constituency parliamentary seat on the party’s ticket.
“Today, we proudly welcome Anne Kananu to NEDP after her official defection from the UDA Party. She will be seeking the Mara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County on the NEDP ticket,” Sonko said in a statement.
Kananu’s move marks the latest political realignment as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle, with politicians seeking new platforms to bolster their electoral prospects.
Sonko said NEDP would work with Kananu to champion development priorities in Mara Constituency, including poverty reduction, infrastructure improvement, job creation, access to quality education and the provision of clean water.
“Together, we are committed to fighting poverty, improving infrastructure, creating jobs, expanding access to quality education and clean water, and restoring hope to the people of Mara,” he said.
However, the former Nairobi governor will not receive an automatic party ticket despite her high-profile entry into the party.
Sonko emphasized that NEDP would uphold competitive and democratic nominations, stating that all aspirants, regardless of their political stature, must seek the support of party members through the nomination process.
“Taking a photo with me or joining NEDP does not guarantee a direct party nomination. Every aspirant must go to the ground, earn the support of the people, and compete fairly in our party primaries. NEDP believes in free, fair, and democratic nominations,” he said.
Kananu became Nairobi’s Governor in 2021 after succeeding Mike Sonko following his impeachment. She had previously served as Deputy Governor after her nomination by Sonko and later assumed the county’s top leadership following a prolonged legal and political process.
Political parties in Kenya are governed by the Political Parties Act, 2011, which provides the legal framework for party membership, defections and internal party democracy. Meanwhile, the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, guarantees every citizen the right to make political choices, including joining or leaving a political party and contesting elective office, subject to electoral laws and party nomination rules.
Kananu’s parliamentary ambitions will now depend on securing the NEDP nomination before facing rivals in what is expected to be a competitive race for the Mara Constituency seat.
