Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, December 18, Wamalwa claimed that former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko’s newly registered National Economic Development Party (NEDP) is part of a broader political strategy aimed at dividing voters in Eastern Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Wamalwa, the emergence of Sonko’s party, alongside Maendeleo Chap Chap led by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, is intended to dilute the dominance of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who is widely viewed as a key contender for the opposition’s presidential ticket.
“In Ukambani, new parties are being introduced deliberately to fragment the region,” Wamalwa said.
"The goal is to slow down Kalonzo Musyoka, who enjoys overwhelming support in Eastern Kenya and is a serious force within the opposition.”
The former Defence Cabinet Secretary argued that dividing the region would weaken its bargaining power nationally and reduce the influence of opposition politics in the area.
Wamalwa dismissed the idea that the formation of these parties is coincidental, insisting they are part of a calculated plan by the ruling establishment to interfere with opposition voting blocs.
He extended his claims beyond Ukambani, saying a similar approach is being applied in Western Kenya, where DAP-K has been gaining political ground.
According to Wamalwa, President Ruto and his allies are encouraging the registration of smaller parties and splinter groups in regions perceived to be leaning away from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He cited the recent Malava parliamentary by-election as an example, claiming that rival parties were mobilised to undermine DAP-K’s influence in the region.
Wamalwa pointed to the Democratic National Party (DNA), led by political strategist Barrack Muluka, which fielded a candidate in Malava. He noted that the candidate had previously been associated with DAP-K before defecting, a move he described as politically motivated.
“The same script is being repeated everywhere,” Wamalwa said.
The former Defence Cabinet Secretary argued that dividing the region would weaken its bargaining power nationally and reduce the influence of opposition politics in the area.
Wamalwa dismissed the idea that the formation of these parties is coincidental, insisting they are part of a calculated plan by the ruling establishment to interfere with opposition voting blocs.
He extended his claims beyond Ukambani, saying a similar approach is being applied in Western Kenya, where DAP-K has been gaining political ground.
According to Wamalwa, President Ruto and his allies are encouraging the registration of smaller parties and splinter groups in regions perceived to be leaning away from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He cited the recent Malava parliamentary by-election as an example, claiming that rival parties were mobilised to undermine DAP-K’s influence in the region.
Wamalwa pointed to the Democratic National Party (DNA), led by political strategist Barrack Muluka, which fielded a candidate in Malava. He noted that the candidate had previously been associated with DAP-K before defecting, a move he described as politically motivated.
“The same script is being repeated everywhere,” Wamalwa said.
“When the government realises it lacks support in a region, it sponsors alternative parties to confuse voters and split the opposition vote.”
He also mentioned Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s United Patriotic Movement (UPM), saying its formation fits into the same broader plan.
He also mentioned Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale’s United Patriotic Movement (UPM), saying its formation fits into the same broader plan.
Wamalwa claimed that although Khalwale announced the party earlier this year, it was later left in the hands of youthful leaders while the senator focused on positioning himself for the 2027 Kakamega gubernatorial race.
Additionally, Wamalwa alleged that Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya may also be planning to register a political party, which he believes would further fragment Western Kenya’s political landscape.
According to the DAP-K leader, these developments are designed to weaken parties that are not aligned with the ruling coalition, particularly those with growing grassroots support.
Wamalwa urged residents of Western Kenya to remain alert and resist political manipulation, warning that division could cost the region its collective voice in national politics.
He argued that the Malava by-election demonstrated that unity remains the opposition’s strongest weapon and said a united Western Kenya could pose a serious challenge to UDA in the next general election.
“If we stay united, we can defeat UDA,” Wamalwa said. “But division will only serve those who want to control us from outside.”
His remarks come just days after Mike Sonko’s party received full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, officially clearing it to participate in upcoming elections.
While Sonko has dismissed claims that his party is meant to divide votes, Wamalwa insists the timing and pattern of new party registrations point to a deliberate political strategy ahead of 2027.
Additionally, Wamalwa alleged that Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya may also be planning to register a political party, which he believes would further fragment Western Kenya’s political landscape.
According to the DAP-K leader, these developments are designed to weaken parties that are not aligned with the ruling coalition, particularly those with growing grassroots support.
Wamalwa urged residents of Western Kenya to remain alert and resist political manipulation, warning that division could cost the region its collective voice in national politics.
He argued that the Malava by-election demonstrated that unity remains the opposition’s strongest weapon and said a united Western Kenya could pose a serious challenge to UDA in the next general election.
“If we stay united, we can defeat UDA,” Wamalwa said. “But division will only serve those who want to control us from outside.”
His remarks come just days after Mike Sonko’s party received full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, officially clearing it to participate in upcoming elections.
While Sonko has dismissed claims that his party is meant to divide votes, Wamalwa insists the timing and pattern of new party registrations point to a deliberate political strategy ahead of 2027.
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