The National Economic Development Party (NEDP) has stepped up its expansion at the Coast after attracting a wave of defections from UDA, ODM, Wiper and Jubilee in Changamwe Constituency, Mombasa County.

The latest political realignment saw a parliamentary aspirant, several MCA hopefuls, former party officials and grassroots mobilisers abandon their respective political parties to join the former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko-led NEDP, in what the party described as a major boost to its growing influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Leading the list of defectors is Changamwe parliamentary aspirant Abdi Dahib, formerly of UDA, who officially joined NEDP and was unveiled as the party’s candidate for the constituency.

Also crossing over were MCA aspirants Asha Abdala and Shamza Mohamed (Port Reitz Ward), Sophia Bonaya (Kipevu Ward), Fatma Zadin and Gina Bernard (Airport Ward), Michael Nato (Chaani Ward), and Gordon Opiyo (Airport Ward). While Abdala, Mohamed, Bonaya, Zadin and Nato defected from UDA, Bernard previously belonged to Wiper, while Opiyo joined from ODM.

The party further welcomed several former party officials and grassroots leaders, including former UDA Changamwe Sub-County Chairlady Jane Mwadembo, former UDA Airport Ward Youth Leader William Njoroge, former Wiper Airport Ward Secretary Enos Mulama, former UDA Changamwe Sub-County Youth Leader Saida Abdala, former Jubilee Changamwe Organising Secretary Faira Kikuyu, former Wiper Mama County Coordinator Vicky Mwendwa, and former Wiper Deputy Women Leader Aisha Kasin, among other local leaders.

Addressing the new members, Sonko said the defections reflected growing confidence in NEDP’s vision and signalled the party’s emergence as a formidable political force ahead of the next General Election.

He said the party remains committed to championing economic empowerment, creating employment opportunities for young people, reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development across the country.

“Our vision is to build a united, prosperous and inclusive Kenya by creating opportunities for the youth, fighting unemployment, restoring hope and transforming communities,” Sonko said.

The NEDP leader welcomed the new members, saying their decision to join the party was a strong vote of confidence in its agenda and pledged to continue expanding the movement across the country.

The latest defections come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation and recruitment of aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, with Mombasa emerging as one of the key battleground counties.

In recent months, NEDP has embarked on an aggressive nationwide membership recruitment drive as it seeks to position itself as a major player in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.