Former Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu has left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the National Economic Democratic Party (NEDP), becoming the latest politician to switch parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kananu was unveiled by former Nairobi Governor and NEDP leader Mike Sonko on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Sonko announced that Kananu had officially defected from UDA and would seek the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in Tharaka Nithi County on the 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 said.

He added that the party would focus on addressing challenges affecting residents of the constituency.

“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.”

While welcoming Kananu into the party, Sonko made it clear that joining NEDP would not guarantee anyone a direct nomination.

He said every aspirant would be required to campaign on the ground and compete fairly during the 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 stated.

The remarks appeared aimed at assuring party members that the nomination process would remain open despite the recruitment of high-profile politicians.

Kananu’s move marks a shift from county leadership to national politics.

She is expected to contest the Maara Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election under the NEDP banner.

Her defection comes as political parties continue to strengthen their structures and recruit new members before campaigns gather momentum.

Several politicians have changed parties in recent months as alliances begin to take shape ahead of the elections.

Kananu’s journey to Nairobi governorship

Kananu became Nairobi Governor in 2021 after an unusual political transition.

In January 2020, then-Governor Mike Sonko nominated her to serve as Nairobi Deputy Governor. However, court cases delayed her vetting and appointment for several months.

In December 2020, the Senate upheld Sonko’s impeachment, removing him from office. At the time, Nairobi did not have a substantive deputy governor because Kananu’s appointment had not been completed.

Following the impeachment, then-Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Benson Mutura took over as acting governor.

The legal challenges against Kananu were later resolved, allowing the Nairobi County Assembly to approve her nomination. She was sworn in as Deputy Governor on January 15, 2021.

Just days later, she assumed the office of Governor after Mutura handed over the county leadership, completing the constitutional succession process.

Kananu became Nairobi’s first female governor and served until the end of the county government’s term before the 2022 General Election.

Kananu’s decision to leave UDA adds to the growing list of political realignments taking place ahead of the 2027 polls.

NEDP, which was recently launched by Sonko, has been recruiting aspirants and leaders from different parts of the country as it seeks to expand its presence.

Her entry gives the party another high-profile recruit as it prepares for competitive nominations and campaigns.