KISUMU, Oct 2026 – The political imbroglio pitting the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) and Tana River County Governor Dhadho Godhana over the party leadership continues to deepen, as the party has vehemently dismissed his claim to the positions of party leader and national chairman.
In a press statement issued on Monday, 12 October 2026, FPK National Chairman Philip Oluoch Abuba cautioned Governor Godhana and reminded him that he (Abuba) is the substantive National Chairman of the party.
His response follows reports circulating widely on social media that Governor Godhana has assumed the positions of party leader and national chairman and has purportedly “revived” the party.
“I wish to clarify the party’s official position to our members, the media, and the general public that I am duly registered and recognised as the party’s chairman by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP),” Abuba said, adding that the claims are categorically disputed and do not reflect the official position of FPK.
According to party records, Godhana is neither a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) nor a member of FPK.
“We are not aware of any lawful party process through which he has acquired any leadership mandate within the party. Our party records contain no NEC resolution electing or appointing Godana as Party Leader or National Chairman. We are likewise not aware of any corresponding record at the ORPP validating such a change,” he said.
Abuba stated that Godhana has no authority under the party’s constitution and established procedures to convene, preside over or purport to represent FPK’s NEC, National Delegates Convention (NDC), or any other official party organ in the capacity of a party official.
He explained that, as party chairperson, he is responsible for presiding over the NEC in accordance with the party’s constitution and applicable procedures.
“Any claim to the contrary should be supported by verifiable documentary evidence and subjected to the appropriate legal and institutional procedures.”
Abuba warned that FPK cannot be said to have been “revived” by an individual whose membership and authority to act on its behalf have not been established.
He called on those wishing to join or participate in the affairs of FPK to strictly adhere to the party’s constitution, membership procedures and applicable law.
“Any proposed leadership changes must similarly be undertaken through the recognised party organs and lawful processes.”
FPK’s official party symbol, Abuba explained, remains the clenched fist, and any other symbol being presented as the official symbol of FPK should be independently verified against the party’s registered particulars.
In pursuit of legal redress, FPK has instructed its legal team to pursue appropriate remedies, including proceedings before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), where warranted, against any person found to be unlawfully impersonating party officials, misrepresenting the party’s leadership or purporting to exercise authority without a valid mandate.
“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate legal channels to protect the party’s identity, institutional integrity, and the rights of its legitimate members.”
In light of these developments, he notified all FPK members and relevant stakeholders that a Special NEC meeting will be convened on 23 October 2026.
“It will mainly deliberate on the reported claims of unauthorised representation and other urgent matters affecting the party. All relevant party officials will be expected to observe the party’s constitution and established procedures in addressing these matters.”
He urged members of the public to exercise due diligence and verify claims concerning FPK’s leadership and official status through records held by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and other relevant official documentation before publishing or circulating such claims.
FPK was registered in 2012 and maintains that its affairs must be conducted under its duly recognised leadership and in accordance with the law.
Abuba reiterated that FPK’s identity, leadership and institutional integrity must be respected, and that no individual should purport to speak or act on behalf of the party without a legitimate mandate.
“We remain committed to protecting the party, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that all internal party affairs are conducted in accordance with our constitution and the applicable laws of Kenya,” the statement concluded.
