NEDP party leader Mike Sonko with former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu/HANDOUT
Eight months after the National Economic Development Party (NEDP) received its Certificate of Full Registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), former Nairobi Governor and party leader Mike Sonko says the outfit has rapidly transformed into a major political meeting point ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The NEDP was officially granted full registration on December 9, 2025. Since then, Sonko says his Upper Hill office and the party headquarters have become a hive of political activity, hosting a steady stream of delegates, aspirants, elected leaders, grassroots mobilisers and ordinary Kenyans seeking to engage with the party.
“Since our party received full registration, the response from Kenyans has been overwhelming. On an average day, I meet close to 100 people. Some come as delegations, others individually, all wanting to share ideas, discuss leadership and explore opportunities within NEDP,” Sonko said.
The party has, in recent months, attracted several high-profile political figures.
Among them is former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu, who joined NEDP and announced her intention to contest the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County on the party's ticket.
The party has also welcomed Maua Municipality Ward MCA Duncan Kangwana, a move party officials described as another milestone in NEDP's expanding national footprint.
In recent weeks, Sonko has intensified consultations with leaders from across the political divide. He recently hosted Nairobi City County Public Service Board Deputy Chairperson and Head of Human Resource Jack Owino, whom he described as one of his political protégés, and encouraged him to join NEDP as he prepares to enter elective politics in 2027.
In another political development, former Kongoni Ward ODM MCA and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa's adviser, Jasphat Musami Kititi, defected from ODM to NEDP. Sonko said Musami will contest the Lukuyani parliamentary seat on the party's ticket, describing the defection as evidence of the party's growing appeal beyond Nairobi.
The party has also attracted grassroots leaders, including Chogoria Traders Chairlady Lucy Gasheri, popularly known as "Momo", who recently left UDA to join NEDP after holding discussions with Sonko on the challenges facing traders in Chogoria.
Beyond individual defections, Sonko says his office has become a forum for cross-party dialogue. He recently convened a meeting bringing together elected MCAs and political leaders from ODM, UDA, DCP, NADP, Linda Mwananchi and other parties. Participants agreed to meet every two weeks to promote peaceful elections, national unity and coexistence ahead of the 2027 polls.
Sonko's office has also hosted courtesy visits from prominent political leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lang'ata MP Felix "Jalang'o" Odiwuor and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, reflecting the growing political attention the party has attracted.
Last week, the party announced that several MCA aspirants, former officials from other political parties and grassroots mobilisers had defected to NEDP, describing the wave of defections as a significant boost to its preparations for the 2027 elections.
Sonko said the meetings are not merely about recruiting members but are part of a broader effort to shape the party's agenda through consultations with leaders and wananchi.
“These meetings are about listening. I want to hear the ideas of leaders, aspirants and ordinary wananchi. We exchange views, discuss the challenges facing our country and explore solutions before making major political decisions as a party,” he said.
He maintained that NEDP is founded on the principles of servant leadership, integrity and equal opportunity, adding that the party remains open to leaders from all political backgrounds who share its vision for the country.
He said the consultations will continue over the coming months as the party finalises its strategy and identifies candidates to fly the NEDP flag across the country.
With a growing list of defectors, regular high-level consultations and hundreds of visitors passing through its offices every week, Sonko says the party is positioning itself as one of the emerging political vehicles likely to influence alliances and contests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
