The United Democratic Party (UDP), a political outfit founded by the late Cyrus Jirongo, has attracted renewed attention amid growing speculation that it could serve as Edwin Sifuna’s political vehicle in the 2027 General Election.
The party was registered in February 2016 and was closely associated with Jirongo for years, who used it as his political vehicle for both his presidential ambitions and later political campaigns.
UDP History and Ownership
UDP was registered on February 22, 2016, and was founded by former Lugari MP and Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo after years of political activity in parties including KANU, KADDU, United Republican Party, New Ford Kenya and the Federal Party.
Its registered headquarters are in Lavington, Nairobi.
The party was established to provide Jirongo with his own political platform as he pursued national leadership ambitions, including a presidential bid in the 2017 General Election.
Since its formation, UDP has been closely associated with Jirongo, with the party’s identity, visibility and political influence largely revolving around its founder.
Unlike larger parties with extensive national structures, UDP remained a relatively small political outfit Jirongo served as Lugari MP from 1997 to 2002 on a KANU ticket and again from 2007 to 2013 under the Kenya African Democratic Development Union.
UDP became his main political vehicle for his presidential ambitions.
In the August 2017 General Election, Jirongo contested the presidency on a UDP ticket and received 11,282 votes.
Following the nullification of the presidential election by the Supreme Court, he participated in the October 26 repeat election, where he received 3,832 votes.
Jirongo contested the Kakamega gubernatorial seat on the party’s ticket in 2022 after the election in the county had been postponed because of a mix-up involving ballot materials.
He received 5,974 votes, while ODM’s Fernandes Barasa won with 192,929 votes.
The party’s official symbol is a shield, and its slogan is “Ngao Yetu” (Our Shield).
UDP describes itself as a liberal democratic party that supports devolution, political pluralism, equity and national unity.
Under Kenya’s Political Parties Act, the party’s ownership currently rests with its registered officials and members.
The party was part of the Azimio la Umoja coalition during the 2022 General Election and secured representation in Parliament by electing one Member of Parliament. (MP).
Leadership Transition and Rebranding Efforts
UDP entered a new chapter following the death of its founder, Cyrus Jirongo, in December 2025, with the party facing the challenge of redefining itself beyond the influence of the man who had long been its public face.
The transition sparked discussions within the party about its future leadership, direction and relevance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Part of that effort has involved attempts to rebrand the party. In recent months, UDP proposed changing its name to Ukombozi People’s Party (UPP), while retaining its shield symbol and adopting a new slogan, “Ngao ya Ukombozi” (Shield of Liberation).
However, the rebranding plans hit a major setback after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rejected the proposed name change, citing similarities with names already reserved by other political entities.
The Registrar cited Section 8(c) of the Political Parties Act, which restricts names, abbreviations, slogans and symbols that closely resemble those of another registered political party or legal entity.
ORPP said the proposed name resembled The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA), whose name another applicant had reserved in July 2026.
The decision effectively forced UDP and those associated with the proposed rebranding to reconsider their options.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of the party, particularly amid reports that leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement have been exploring existing political parties that could provide a ready-made platform for the 2027 polls.
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