Ex-Governor Ongwae launches political party, enters battle for Gusii votes

By unveiling the United Super Alliance Party (USAP), Ongwae is on course to counter Jubilee Party Leader and Presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i, who enjoys considerable support in his Gusii backyard.

Ongwae has already indicated that his party will not align with the 'Wantam' or 'Tutam' movements, but will chart its own political course as it eyes a national outlook.

""We will decide our political course once we speak with our delegates and after the upcoming convention later this year. Let the people decide," Ongwae said during the launch.

However, he signalled the willingness to engage with other political formations and like-minded leaders whose principles, interests and national aspirations are consistent with its philosophy.

Ongwae, however, clarified that any future political cooperation will be determined by the party's delegates and guided by national interests and the long-term objectives of USAP.

Ongwae, who was unveiled as the party leader during the launch, said USAP was founded on the need to provide Kenyans with a fresh political alternative anchored on national unity, accountable leadership, social justice and equitable economic development.

The party, whose symbol is an eye and slogan is 'Tuko Macho', seeks to establish a national political presence, with Ongwae revealing that it already has offices in 45 counties.

The ex-governor said he had traversed the country, listening to citizens and collecting their opinions on the political, economic and governance challenges facing the nation, and the views gathered during these engagements helped shape USAP's ideology, policies and future political engagements.

Besides being the first governor of Kisii county where he served for two terms, Ongwae had successful stints in previous government, with several key posting including Agriculture Permanent Secretary.

He also served as CEO of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Chief Management Analyst in-charge of organisational and institutional matters in the office of the President, and the first Kenya Civil Service Reforms Programme Director.

He says this vast experience in the civil service and politics strengthened his understanding of the challenges facing ordinary citizens and the importance of building strong institutions.

"My journey has reinforced a fundamental belief: leadership is not about positions or titles; it is about service, responsibility, integrity and the ability to make a meaningful difference in people's lives," he said.

He clarified that launching USAP is not an indication that he is eyeing a political office, rather building an institution that will liberate Kenyans.

Ongwae added that USAP's political philosophy is founded on afro-socialist principles, which it defines through three central pillars: Utu na Haki (human dignity and justice), Uchumi kwa Wote (an economy for everyone), and Uongozi na Maadili (leadership and integrity).

USAP's immediate agenda include grassroots mobilisation, membership recruitment and registration, identifying and developing leaders by creating opportunities for professionals, women and young people, strengthening its institutional framework by establishing party organs, and developing policy positions addressing unemployment, the rising cost of living, agriculture, among others.

Ongwae joins his peers on the political scene from Gusii region holding key positions in major political parties.

Besides Matiang'i, his successor, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, is the Deputy Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, having been elected early this year.

ODM is supporting President William Ruto's re-election bid, and Arati has been at the forefront drumming up support for Ruto.

With the two, Ongwae's USAP enters a marked territory whose vote will significantly influence the outcome of the presidential results in the 2027 election.

In 2023, Ongwae was appointed into Ruto's administration as Chairperson of the Universal Service Advisory Council via a gazette notice made by then ICT Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo.

Before then, he was ODM point-man in Kisii, working closely with the late ODM Leader Raila Odinga.