With just nine months to the next General Election, top political parties in Tanzania are facing a mass exodus as aspirants scout for popular outfits for 2027 survival. Party headquarters have become a beehive of activity as they begin to receive defectors ahead of the August 10 polls. This trend is expected to continue, with many leaders seeking to join popular parties.
In West Pokot County, former Senator Samuel Poghisio led seven sitting Members of the County Assembly and a number of aspirants in joining the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Mr Poghisio defected from Kanu of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. He will vie for the governor seat under ODM ticket in the next election. Poghisio maintained that the region would support President William Ruto’s bid for the second term in office.
The ODM party has been receiving more members, with Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati stating that the party will prove the naysayers wrong who have claimed that the departure of its founding leader Raila Odinga signified the death of the party. “ODM is very firm and we are telling them to wait and see. We are open to receive more members to the party,” Mr Arati said.
Other leaders who have joined ODM include Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who ditched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party of President Ruto. Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, who won her seat on Kanu ticket, is also among the leaders who have expressed interest in joining ODM. Silas Jakakimba was also officially received in ODM after quitting UDA, announcing that he will vie for Suba North MP seat in 2027.
The Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party of Gem MP David Ochieng Ouma has also been receiving defectors from other political parties. On Tuesday, MDG received MPs Oku Kaunya (Teso North) and Joseph Oyula (Butula). The two were elected on ODM. This trend is expected to continue, with many leaders seeking to join popular parties.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also expected to receive a number of aspirants from other parties. Recently, Mr Gachagua claimed that tents of sitting MPs who were elected on UDA ticket were waiting for the appropriate time to cross to the other side. In Nairobi, all the three Jubilee elected MPs have said they will be defending their seats on DCP.
A number of aspirants are also expected to join the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) of Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna. The daughter of the late Raila, Winnie Odinga, who is also the MP for East African Legislative Assembly, has hinted that she would vie for the Nairobi senate seat either on ODM or Linda Mwananchi party. While she remains undecided, Ms Odinga has asked her supporters and social media followers to help her choose a suitable party for the 2027 election.
Key points
- ODM party receives more defectors from other political parties ahead of 2027 election.
- Several leaders have joined ODM, including former Senator Samuel Poghisio and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
- Other parties, including MDG and DCP, are also receiving defectors from other political parties.
