Tana River governor Godhana faces FPK leadership dispute after leaving ODM

Political parties in Kenya are gearing up for the upcoming General Election on August 10, 2027, with various factions positioning themselves for the polls. A notable dispute has emerged within the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) after its governor, Dhadho Godhana, announced plans to revive the party ahead of the election. Godhana resigned from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in October 2026, citing a need for an independent political voice for coastal region interests.

He was endorsed by Coast region delegates and civil society representatives as FPK's new leader and chairman in August 2026. However, FPK's National Chairman, Philip Oluoch Abuba, has contested Godhana's leadership claim, stating that he is not recognized by the party as its leader or chairman. Abuba argued that no lawful party process led to Godhana's assumed position and that party records do not show him as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) or the FPK.

Abuba emphasized that Godhana does not have the authority to convene, preside over, or represent FPK's official bodies or members. The chairman insisted that he is the recognized party chairman by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) and that any claims to the contrary must be supported by verifiable evidence.

Abuba also noted that a special NEC meeting was convened on October 23, 2026, to address these issues and announced that FPK's legal team would pursue legal remedies against anyone impersonating party officials or misrepresenting the party's leadership.