Mike Sonko Launches National Economic Development Party (NEDP), Promises to Provide Alternative Leadership for Kenya

 By Elijah Odanga 

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has officially launched his new political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), after receiving full registration from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). The highly anticipated launch event, held on Tuesday, marks the beginning of what Sonko described as a new chapter in Kenyan politics, one that will offer Kenyans an alternative leadership to the long-standing "legacy parties" that have dominated the political landscape for decades.

In his address to supporters and the media, Sonko, who has long been a polarizing figure in Kenyan politics, reiterated his frustration with the status quo. "Kenya has been held hostage by the same old parties, with the same old faces, offering the same old solutions," Sonko stated. "The country deserves better. We need a fresh start, new ideas, and real leadership that puts the interests of the people first."

Sonko’s NEDP, which he described as a "people-powered" party, is positioned to focus on economic development, job creation, and social equity. He emphasized that the primary objective of the party would be to address the pressing economic challenges facing the country, particularly the high unemployment rate among the youth, rising cost of living, and the urgent need for infrastructural development outside the capital.

"Our party will push for policies that prioritize economic empowerment, especially for the youth and marginalized communities," Sonko added. "The NEDP will be a party of solutions, not rhetoric."

The announcement of NEDP comes at a time when the political landscape in Kenya is marked by divisions and power struggles within both major political coalitions. Sonko’s entry into the fray is expected to shake up the established order as he seeks to tap into the frustrations of ordinary Kenyans who feel that traditional parties have failed to deliver tangible results.

Sonko also addressed critics who have raised concerns about his past, including his controversial impeachment as Nairobi Governor in 2020. In response, he argued that his previous leadership experiences, particularly in Nairobi, have only strengthened his resolve to serve the people. "I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m now more focused than ever on delivering change," he said.

The launch of NEDP is already drawing attention as Sonko prepares for the upcoming general elections, with many observers speculating about his political ambitions. While it remains unclear whether he intends to run for the presidency or another political office, the formation of NEDP solidifies his presence on the political scene.

Sonko’s move also comes as a challenge to other emerging political figures in the country, as Kenyans increasingly demand more accountability, transparency, and leadership that resonates with their day-to-day struggles. It remains to be seen how Sonko’s NEDP will fare against the country’s political heavyweights, but his bold entry signals that Kenyan politics may be on the brink of a major shift.