Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu has warned of heightened political party realignments and movements as Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, noting that significant shifts are expected throughout 2026.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, January 19, 2026, he noted that there is also going to be a lot of propaganda and a lot of real movement, just to see which formation is going to take power.

“Don’t be surprised to see a lot of movement between parties as we move into the future, especially this year. There is also going to be a lot of propaganda and a lot of real movement, just to see which formation is going to take power,” Mulu said.

He highlighted Central Kenya as a focal point due to its substantial voter numbers, pointing out the competition among parties such as Jubilee, UDA, DCP, and smaller formations.

“Central Kenya is becoming a key point of focus because of their numbers in votes, and with Jubilee, UDA, DCP, and other small formations, everyone is trying to get the lion’s share of the vote. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of movement as we move into the future, more so this year. There will be propaganda, realignment, and possibly a third force forming, securing seats to negotiate later.”

These remarks come amid ongoing discussions within and between parties as they prepare for structured negotiations ahead of 2027.

Lessons from ODM’s history

Mulu drew parallels to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), referencing past splits. “I think also ODM doesn’t need to look very far from where we are. Because you remember, at one point ODM was a unit. Then we divided it between Kalonzo and Raila, we ran away with ODM Kenya, and then the current ODM remained. So they know the consequences of reducing this to smaller units.”

He underscored the long-standing relationships between leaders, saying, “Looking at the history, when you look at the history all the way from the original ODM, before we had ODM Kenya, which became later WIPA, and then the ODM, you can see that over time there has been a very long, good working relationship between our party leader and the right honourable Raila Omoro Odinga over time.”

Mulu further suggested that alignment based on shared values could favour certain groupings.

Negotiations and the future of party politics

He also highlighted ODM’s recent resolutions, noting openness to negotiations. “When you look at the resolutions by ODM as a party, the management committee authorised their party leader to get to election negotiations starting with UDA and other like-minded parties. Like UDA, which closed its door at ODM, these other parties opened their door. So they are open to negotiations.”

Mulu cautioned about the unpredictable nature of Kenyan politics, including potential betrayal.

He concluded with a call for careful observation and goodwill toward ODM. “All said and done, it’s good to monitor this space. We wish ODM well. Together with Senator Mungatana, we want to see ODM, as strong as it is, move into the future—not just for government benefit, but for the benefit of our democracy so that it matures.”