Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya greets Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna ahead of the Linda Mwananchi tour in the county on Saturday, July 25, 2026. PHOTO | COURTESY

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya now says that Nairobi Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna will be the United Democratic Party (UDP) presidential flagbearer.

The party, formally founded by former Lugari Member of Parliament, the late Cyrus Jirongo, is linked to Natembeya.

The Trans Nzoia County boss made the revelation during a radio interview on Mulembe FM.

“Sifuna atawania urais kupitia chama cha UDP,” said Natembeya.

The official unveiling of Sifuna as both the party leader and presidential aspirant is scheduled for the first week of October and will be done by the party’s National Executive Committee at the party headquarters in Nairobi.

“Kila region katika United Opposition iko na chama chake, kwa Mulima ni DCP, Ukambani ni Wiper…pia sisi hapa Western lazima tuwe na regional party,” he added.

The ceremony will then pave the way for the Nairobi legislator to be formally incorporated as the party leader and presidential aspirant during the UDP’s National Delegates Conference, which will ratify and adopt the recommendations by the National Executive Committee.

“Kila mjumbe atakuwa na fursa ya kutekeleza uamuzi wa NDC.” The governor stated.

The latest twist to events comes after a planned rebranding of the United Democratic Party (UDP) to Ukombozi Party hit a snag.

Similarly, the Mwananchi Party, which rebranded from the Muungano Party, is associated with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

The party, through a statement, clarified that: “On 4th August 2026, the principals of the Linda Mwananchi Movement visited the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to seek clarification on the status of the Linda Mwananchi name and the registration process.”

“At that point, the matter was still being addressed through the ORPP. The official change of name to ‘The Mwananchi Party’ was subsequently effected on 10th September 2026, as reflected in the correspondence issued by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.”