By Our Reporter
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has launched a new political party, the Forum for Economic Development Agenda (FEDA), in Nairobi, signalling a possible end to his association with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The party was unveiled at Ufangamano House on Friday, November 6, 2026, amid growing differences between the governor and the ODM leadership over political arrangements in Kajiado County.
The launch was announced through Lenku’s official social media accounts. However, details of the party’s leadership, ideology and structures were not immediately available.
Participants attending the launch were dressed in white, blue and gold, colours that appeared to form part of the new outfit’s branding.
The move follows months of disagreements between Lenku and ODM leaders, with the governor previously threatening to lead a mass exit of Maa leaders from the party.
In August 2026, Lenku accused ODM of betraying its supporters after some party officials campaigned for politicians affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), despite his deputy, Martin Moshisho, seeking the Kajiado gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket.
The dispute escalated after ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo challenged Lenku to leave the party if he was unhappy with its leadership, accusing him of criticising the outfit while continuing to benefit from its political platform.
Days before the launch, Lenku said he had consulted Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and political aspirants from Kajiado County, with the meeting resolving to establish a political vehicle to contest all elective positions across Maa-dominated counties, except the presidency.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the governor said the initiative was intended to give the Maa community an independent political platform to negotiate for power, development and representation at the national level.
“Time has come for the Maa Nation to stand on their own and claim space at the national table, just like any other region in Kenya,” Lenku said.
The new party is expected to influence political alignments in Maa-dominated counties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Lenku is serving his second and final term as Kajiado governor and has previously expressed interest in contesting the county’s Senate seat after leaving office.
