Ann Kananu Joins Sonko’s NEDP After Leaving President Ruto’s UDA
Ann Kananu Ditches Ruto’s UDA for Sonko’s NEDP in Fresh Political Twist Ahead of 2027
Former Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu has officially joined former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko’s National Economic Development Party (NEDP), marking a significant political realignment as preparations for Kenya’s 2027 General Election gather pace.
The development was confirmed on Wednesday, July 23, after Kenyans.co.ke obtained details of Kananu’s visit to Sonko’s office, where the former Nairobi County chief was formally welcomed into the party.
Photos released from the meeting showed Sonko placing an NEDP-branded cap on Kananu in what appeared to symbolize the end of her association with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party under which she had previously been aligned.
The meeting was also attended by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala, further fueling speculation that opposition-leaning political formations are intensifying efforts to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kananu eyes new political chapter
Kananu’s defection comes as she prepares to contest the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka-Nithi County during next year’s General Election.
Her decision has raised eyebrows among political observers, given that she previously held the influential position of Nairobi Governor. However, allies argue the move reflects her desire to build a political base in her home region rather than seek another county leadership role.
From deputy nominee to Nairobi Governor
Kananu’s rise to the governorship remains one of Kenya’s most unusual political successions.
Her journey began in January 2020 when then-Governor Mike Sonko nominated her to serve as Nairobi Deputy Governor following the resignation of Polycarp Igathe.
However, her appointment was delayed for months after court cases halted the vetting process, leaving the deputy governor’s position vacant amid growing political uncertainty.
The situation changed dramatically in December 2020 after Sonko was impeached by the Senate over charges including gross misconduct and abuse of office.
With no substantive deputy governor in office, Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura assumed office as Acting Governor while legal battles over Kananu’s nomination continued.
In January 2021, the court cases challenging her appointment were withdrawn, paving the way for her vetting by the County Assembly. She was approved, sworn in as Deputy Governor on January 15, 2021, and, days later, assumed the office of Governor, completing Sonko’s remaining term.
NEDP expands ahead of 2027
Kananu’s entry is another boost for Sonko’s National Economic Development Party, which has been actively recruiting leaders and aspirants across the country ahead of the next General Election.
According to party officials, NEDP has expanded its structures to more than 24 counties and has attracted a growing list of politicians defecting from rival parties.
Among those who have recently joined the outfit are more than 20 aspirants from Mandera County seeking party tickets, an MCA who defected from the BUS Party in Meru, Isiolo South parliamentary aspirant Isack Fayo, and Nairobi politicians Faiza Omar and Vincent Muirigi.
Political analysts view the latest defection as another sign of shifting alliances as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election, with both the ruling coalition and opposition working to strengthen their regional influence.
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