Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana./HANDOUT
Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has been endorsed by Coast delegates to take over as party leader and chairman of the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK), in a move that could reshape the region’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The proposed leadership change follows consultations involving Coast-based FPK delegates and civil society representatives who are pushing for the party to be repositioned as a stronger political vehicle for the region while retaining a national outlook.
If formally approved, Godhana will be expected to lead the restructuring of FPK and oversee the expansion of its grassroots structures across the six Coast counties represented by the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani (JKP): Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu and Taita Taveta.
JKP has previously brought together governors from the six counties to pursue common economic and development interests.
FPK eyes stronger Coast presence
Delegates backing the proposed changes said the move was driven by concerns over the growing influence of other political parties in the Coast region and the need for residents to develop a stronger political voice of their own.
They said FPK could provide a platform through which Coast residents can pursue regional interests while maintaining a national political agenda.
FPK is listed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties as a fully registered political party. Official records indicate that the party was registered in 2012 and currently operates under the slogan “Inawezekana Tukijipanga.”
The party has also previously contested elections and secured representation in Parliament and the Senate.
In the 2013 General Election, FPK won parliamentary seats in constituencies including Ganze and Butula, as well as a Senate seat in Tana River.
Godhana's appointment awaits formal approval
Although delegates have endorsed Godhana, his elevation to the top party position is not yet final.
The proposed leadership changes will have to be formally considered and confirmed by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC).
The NEC is also expected to determine the holders of other senior positions, including the Secretary-General and other national offices, as part of the planned restructuring.
The party's current executive director, whom delegates credited with keeping FPK's operations running, is also expected to remain within the organisation during the transition.
Presidential ambitions remain uncertain
The proposed takeover comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
Godhana is serving his second term as Tana River governor after successfully defending his seat in the 2022 election on an ODM ticket. He defeated former governor Hussein Dado by 349 votes.
His victory was later challenged in court, but the Court of Appeal upheld the validity of his election.
Some FPK members have reportedly backed Godhana for the party's presidential ticket in 2027.
For now, however, the governor is expected to concentrate on rebuilding the party, establishing functional branches and strengthening its organisational structures before considering a presidential bid.
His personal position on the proposed leadership role and any future presidential ambitions remains unsettled, with delegates saying consultations are still ongoing.
FPK leaves coalition options open
The party is also expected to keep its options open on political alliances ahead of the 2027 polls.
While some members favour continued cooperation with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), FPK has not ruled out working with other political formations.
Delegates said the party intends to field candidates in the 2027 elections, although decisions on coalition arrangements and the constituencies or positions it will contest will be made through its formal party structures.
The proposed changes place FPK at the centre of a potential new political realignment at the Coast, where regional leaders have increasingly sought to coordinate their political and economic interests.
Whether Godhana ultimately takes full control of the party and whether FPK can translate its regional ambitions into electoral strength will depend on the outcome of the NEC process and the alliances the party builds ahead of the 2027 elections.
