Former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu has officially defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the National Economic Democratic Party (NEDP), becoming the latest politician to realign party affiliations ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former Nairobi Governor and NEDP leader Mike Sonko unveiled Kananu on Wednesday, July 22, announcing on his official Facebook page that she will seek the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County on an NEDP ticket.
“Today, we proudly welcome H.E. Anne Kananu to NEDP after her official defection from UDA. She will be seeking the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County on the NEDP ticket,” Sonko stated.
He added that the party remains committed to tackling local challenges. “Together, we are committed to fighting poverty, improving infrastructure, creating jobs, expanding access to quality education and clean water, and restoring hope to the people of Maara. Karibu NEDP, Anne Kananu. The future is here.”
Sonko: No Guaranteed Nomination for New Joiners
However, Sonko clarified that joining the party or taking a photo with leadership does not guarantee a direct nomination. He noted that all aspirants must campaign on the ground and compete fairly in open party primaries.
“Taking a photo with me or joining NEDP does not guarantee a direct party nomination. Every aspirant must go to the ground, earn the support of the people, and compete fairly in our party primaries. NEDP believes in free, fair, and democratic nominations,” Sonko affirmed, reassuring members that the nomination process remains democratic despite high-profile joiners.
From Nairobi’s Governorship to National Politics
The move marks a transition from county executive leadership to national legislative politics for Kananu, who served as Nairobi’s first female governor following a unique constitutional transition.
Nominated as Deputy Governor by Sonko in January 2020, her vetting faced months of legal delays before the Senate impeached Sonko in December 2020. Following the resolution of court cases, the Nairobi County Assembly vetted and approved her, leading to her swearing-in as Deputy Governor on January 15, 2021.
She subsequently assumed the governorship, serving out the remainder of the term through the 2022 General Election.
