Three political parties whose stronghold are in the Kisii region have agreed to merge as they seek to strengthen their bases.

Ford People, Kenya Social Congress and People's Democratic Party resolved to form a coalition.

The parties have been meeting at Silver Springs Hotel in Nairobi.

However, details of the merger have not been released as the officials of these parties said their consultations are not complete.

"We have been consulting as leaders from Gusii and officials of three parties with the aim of uniting. We will be making a big announcement next week," former Trade assistant minister and PDP leader Omingo Magara said.

The discussions were boosted last week when Foreign Affairs assistant minister Richard Onyonka signaled that he was ending his association with ODM and returning to PDP; the party whose ticket he was elected as Kitutu Chache MP in 2007.

Magara left William Ruto's URP last month and relaunched the PDP.

Magara said the leaders were unanimous on the need for a strong party for coalition building in the run up to the March 4 general election.