In a report published by Daily Nation on November 12, 2026, journalist David Mwere detailed Ongwae's response to claims that his new political outfit could be used by external forces to influence voting patterns in the Gusii region.
Ongwae dismissed suggestions that he was acting as a political puppet, insisting that he had established the party because he still had a contribution to make to Kenya's governance.
The former governor said USAP was intended to become a national political vehicle rather than an organisation focused exclusively on the Gusii region.
He also revealed that the party was preparing to sponsor candidates for different elective positions, including seats in county assemblies, the National Assembly and the Senate.
However, Ongwae has not disclosed which position he personally intends to contest in August 2027.
His political plans have attracted attention because the Gusii region already has several influential political figures and parties competing for support.
These include former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i's Jubilee Party, the Orange Democratic Movement associated with Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Omingo Magara's People's Democratic Party.
UDA and the United Progressive Alliance associated with Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo are also part of the region's political landscape.
Political analyst David Ochami suggested that Ongwae's party could disrupt voting patterns in the Gusii region. He argued that the outfit might be designed to create confusion among voters.
Ongwae rejected that interpretation, maintaining that his party has broader national ambitions.
He also indicated that USAP could eventually enter political alliances, but said such decisions would require approval from the party's National Delegates Conference, expected towards the end of 2026.
The former governor has not declared whether he intends to work with President William Ruto's political camp or the opposition.
Instead, he said the party would announce its position at the appropriate time.
Ongwae is a former senior public servant who served as Permanent Secretary and Teachers Service Commission chief executive before moving into elective politics.
He later became a key figure in Raila Odinga's 2013 presidential campaign before successfully contesting the Kisii governorship, which he held for two consecutive terms between 2013 and 2022.
He says his return to politics follows a period away from elective leadership during which he reflected on Kenya's governance and the role he could still play.
With the 2027 elections approaching, attention will now turn to whether USAP can establish itself nationally and what political direction Ongwae eventually chooses.
For now, the former governor is keeping his personal electoral ambitions open while insisting that his political decisions will be his own.
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