Orengo Unveils Clue to New Party as Sifuna Takes Linda Mwananchi Presidential Ticket

Siaya Governor James Orengo is preparing to unveil a new political party that he intends to use as his vehicle in the 2027 presidential race, adding another layer to the political realignments taking place within Kenya’s opposition.

The development was announced on Wednesday, September 30, by Joshua Ayika, an official in the Office of the Governor. In a post on X, Ayika said Orengo would unveil the political party soon and described it as the vehicle for the governor’s presidential bid.

“Governor James Orengo will be unveiling his political party; this is the vehicle that shall be used in his presidential bid,” Ayika stated.

The announcement comes with the party currently identified by the initials LDP. Its logo has also emerged ahead of the formal unveiling.

The branding features a blue-and-white fedora-style hat decorated with a green feather and a fly whisk, surrounded by a blue swoosh. The imagery has drawn attention because of its links to the political identity of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The fly whisk, in particular, has featured prominently in Raila’s public appearances over the years. The symbolism is also notable because Orengo has been a longtime political associate of the Odinga family.

Orengo himself appeared to hint at the development in a Facebook post referring to Raila’s anniversary. He wrote, “Raila’s anniversary is approaching! Pata luku…RAO@1.”

The planned party launch comes only days after a major development within the Linda Mwananchi political movement.

On Saturday, September 26, leaders of Linda Mwananchi held a principals’ retreat at which Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was declared the movement’s leader and presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. The movement also announced that Sifuna would unveil the party through which he intends to contest the presidency in early October.

Orengo was absent from the retreat. Members of the movement told the Daily Nation that he had sent his apologies because he was attending to a sick family member. His absence nevertheless came after he had publicly expressed interest in competing for the movement’s presidential ticket.

Before the retreat, Orengo had argued that presidential ambitions within Linda Mwananchi should be subjected to a credible process before the movement settled on one candidate. His position contrasted with the eventual decision to endorse Sifuna.

The latest announcement therefore places Orengo on a separate political track as he prepares to unveil his own party.

At the same time, Orengo continues to hold a role in the wider opposition realignment. He recently became chairman of the council of the Ukombozi Alliance following the reorganisation of the coalition.

With Orengo now preparing to launch a political vehicle of his own and Sifuna expected to unveil another party for the Linda Mwananchi presidential project, the opposition landscape is entering another phase of political restructuring ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The formal unveiling of Orengo’s party is expected to provide more details about its official name, leadership structure, ideology and the role it will play in his presidential campaign.

KinuthiaWangoi [email protected]