Ex-CS Fred Matiang’i’s allied party to test its might as it fields candidates for all vacant seats in mini-polls

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at a past event. (Photo: Handout)

By Barack Oduor
Friday, September 12, 2025

Gisesa said the party aims to demonstrate that the UPA will be “the party to watch” in the 2027 General Election, based on its performance in the mini-polls.

A political outfit linked to former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will field candidates in all vacant electoral units in the forthcoming by-elections.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Party on Friday unveiled the first batch of candidates set to contest in the mini-polls, following extensive grassroots consultations.

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Party chairman Nyambega Gisesa, speaking to the Eastleigh Voice about their preparedness, said the process of engaging communities was still ongoing to identify credible candidates in the remaining wards, constituencies and counties.

“We are seeking to have candidates in all electoral units. This is the first batch of names we are releasing. Next week we shall announce additional names,” said Gisesa.

Those cleared to fly the party flag included Chris Osiemo (Nyamaiya Ward), Ongaro Jeremiah (Ekerenyo Ward), Kevin Maranga (Nyansiongo Ward), Naomi Nzioki (Mumbuni North Ward), Erick Ontita (Narok Town Ward), and Nuridin Dalato for Banisa Constituency in Mandera County.

Gisesa said the party aims to demonstrate that the UPA will be “the party to watch” in the 2027 General Election, based on its performance in the mini-polls.

He further revealed that the party is preparing for the 2027 contest, with Matiang’i expected to be unveiled as its presidential candidate.

Gisesa, who is the Rigoma Ward MCA in Nyamira County, noted that the UPA is also exploring collaborations with like-minded outfits as it positions Matiang’i for national leadership.

The party is particularly keen on enlisting the support of respected academics and political analysts to build its profile nationwide.

UPA’s decision to field candidates in all vacant seats marks a departure from the approach taken by some other political parties.

For example, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, recently withdrew from three by-elections scheduled for November 27.

The DCP leadership said the decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to refine its strategies ahead of the polls. In the spirit of fairness and unity within the opposition, the party announced it would not contest in Mumbuni Ward, Makueni County, in support of Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party.

DCP also stood down from the Kabuchai/Chwele Ward race in Bungoma County, endorsing Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K, and from the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, backing the Democratic Party. The latter seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.

The party further revealed it had created a National Elections Board (NEB) and an Internal Disputes Resolution Committee (IDRC) to ensure fair, transparent and effective internal nomination processes. It also established a fully equipped Electoral Secretariat, based at the party headquarters.

“This secretariat will coordinate strategy, logistics, messaging, branding and resource mobilisation for all our candidates,” read part of the DCP statement.