A United Democratic Party (UDP) member has given the party three days to explain whether it is planning to change its current officials, amid claims linking Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to a possible new political arrangement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Calystus Wafula, through his lawyers Kay Adama and Co. Advocates, has written to the UDP secretary demanding a written position on reports that changes could be made to the party's leadership.
Wafula wants the party to confirm whether there is any proposal, agreement or arrangement aimed at replacing or changing its current officials.
The request comes as questions continue to emerge over the political vehicle that could be used by Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement in the run-up to the 2027 election, with Natembeya among the leaders associated with efforts to establish a new political formation.
In the letter, Wafula's lawyers said their client is a registered and active UDP member who had already sought answers from the party's secretary general during a meeting at Capital Center along Mombasa Road.
The lawyers said Wafula had asked the secretary general whether reports of an impending change in the party's leadership were genuine and whether Sifuna, Natembeya and other people were part of the alleged plans.
According to the lawyers, the secretary general denied the claims during the meeting.
“Our client asserts that you stated categorically that there was nothing of the kind,” the firm said.
The lawyers said Wafula also raised Sifuna's name directly and was told that there had been no discussions between the Nairobi senator and the party official.
“In particular, when the issue concerning Edwin Sifuna was raised, our client avers that you refuted the claim and assured him that no engagement whatsoever happened between yourself and Edwin Sifuna,” the lawyers said.
Despite those assurances, Wafula says reports about a possible change in UDP leadership have persisted, prompting him to seek an official written response from the party.
The member has asked UDP to state whether any person has been proposed, nominated, selected or identified in any way to take over from any of the party's current officials.
He is also seeking details on whether meetings or discussions have been held by party officials or leaders over a possible restructuring of the leadership.
Wafula wants the party to specifically clarify whether Sifuna, Natembeya or any other individuals have been involved in such meetings or discussions.
The letter further asks UDP to confirm whether it has already notified, or plans to notify, the Registrar of Political Parties about any changes to its officials.
Wafula has also sought an explanation of the process that would be followed if the party is considering changes to its leadership.
His lawyers said any changes would have to follow the procedure set out in the party's constitution and rules, including any election, nomination, appointment or resolution that may be required.
“For avoidance of doubt, our client is not opposed to any lawful change of Party officials. His major and only concern is that any such change must be transparent, properly authorised and undertaken through the constitutional process applicable to the Party,” the firm said.
The lawyers said their client's request was meant to settle the issue and prevent continued uncertainty among UDP members.
“Given the assurances previously given to our client, we consider it important that the present position of the Party be placed beyond speculation and clearly communicated to its members,” the firm said.
The party has been given three days to provide the requested clarification, with the lawyers saying a quick response would help “avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings”.
The demand comes against the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding the political vehicle Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement could use ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The movement has encountered challenges in its attempt to secure the Linda Mwananchi name through the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
The name reservation process has been disputed after the registrar raised concerns over its similarity to the name and slogan of an existing political party, leaving questions over the vehicle that could eventually be used by the movement.