By JANE WAITHIRA
@trbnreporter
Saba Saba Asili, the political party founded by the late Kenneth Matiba, has rebranded in a move aimed at transforming it into a national outfit. The party has changed its name to the United Party of Independence Alliance (UPIA), with leaders saying the shift will help broaden its appeal beyond its traditional regional base.
Speaking during the opening of the party’s office in Murang’a, National Organising Secretary Joe Kangoco said UPIA already has structures in 35 counties and is positioning itself for nationwide mobilisation.
He noted that since its formation in 1991, the party had largely operated as a regional movement, limiting its influence on the national political scene. According to Kangoco, the rebranding comes with new structures designed to enable the party to reach every corner of the country.
“The change of name allows us to accommodate other regions and build a truly national party,” he said, adding that the leadership is focused on recruiting more members to strengthen grassroots support for its candidates.
Kangoco said the party will waive nomination fees for aspirants seeking elective positions on its ticket, arguing that high costs imposed by many parties discourage capable leaders without financial muscle from vying.
“In most cases people shy away from contests because the money required by parties is huge and unaffordable,” he said. “UPIA is open to all regardless of social or financial status. Our focus is on leaders with the capacity to deliver.”
He added that the party has not yet settled on which coalition to join, noting that any partnership will depend on shared goals and values.
Party official Jack Kamau said the decision to rebrand was conceived about ten years ago and has now been implemented. He said UPIA will roll out aggressive grassroots mobilisation to grow its membership and entrench itself nationally.
“We will hit the ground running, reach all corners of the country and sell our policies and agenda to the people,” Kamau said, adding that the party intends to become one of the strongest political movements in the region.
