By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 6 June 2026 - The Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) has unveiled an ambitious nationwide membership recruitment drive as it seeks to expand its political footprint and increase its representation in the Senate, National Assembly and County Assemblies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Party National Chairman and North Gem MCA Philip Obonyo Oluoch Abuba said the party was embarking on an aggressive grassroots mobilisation campaign aimed at rebuilding a political movement that once enjoyed representation across several regions of the country.
"We are rolling out a fresh membership drive because our objective is clear. We want to increase our numbers in the Senate, Parliament and County Assemblies. The Federal Party is not a briefcase outfit. We have a history, a structure and a vision for the country," said Abuba.
The chairman noted that while the party currently maintains a low national profile, it previously elected several leaders to Parliament, including former Butula MP Onyura, former Amagoro MP Gomose, former Ganze MP Peter Shehe and former Tana River Senator Ali Abdi Bule. The party also had a strong presence in county assemblies across Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kilifi, Kisumu and Homa Bay counties.
"We have done it before and we can do it again. Our focus now is to strengthen the party from the grassroots and identify credible leaders who share our vision of economic empowerment, devolution and accountable governance," he said.
The renewed push comes as the party launched a broad political offensive against President William Ruto's administration, accusing it of neglecting devolution, mishandling the economy and sidelining grassroots leadership.
Abuba said the party would field candidates in all elective positions, including the presidency, while remaining open to alliances with parties that share its federalist philosophy.
"We are building a national movement. The Federal Party will contest seats across the country and we are open to coalition arrangements that respect our principles and agenda," he said.
On the economy, the party accused the government of failing millions of struggling Kenyans listed by Credit Reference Bureaus.
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"You cannot claim economic success when millions of Kenyans remain trapped in debt. Government should focus on reviving industries such as KICOMI, Mumias Sugar, Pan Paper, Rivatex and Kenya Meat Commission because that is where jobs and dignity come from," Abuba said.
The party also renewed its call for full implementation of devolution, demanding that resources accompany devolved functions and that road agencies be transferred to county governments.
"Money must follow functions. Counties cannot continue carrying responsibilities without adequate resources. Devolution was meant to take power and development closer to the people, not retain control in Nairobi," he said.
Abuba further warned that the political significance of Members of County Assemblies was being underestimated ahead of the next election cycle.
"Those who think 2027 will be won in Nairobi boardrooms are mistaken. Elections are won at the grassroots. MCAs are the leaders closest to wananchi and any national political strategy that ignores them does so at its own risk," he said.
The party also demanded comprehensive electoral reforms, including full implementation of the Kriegler Report recommendations and greater participation of political parties in election management processes.
As political realignments gather pace ahead of 2027, the Federal Party hopes its renewed grassroots campaign, combined with its message on economic revival, devolution and electoral reforms, will help transform it from a peripheral player into a significant force in Kenya's evolving political landscape.