ODM yet to comply with new law
Prime Minister Raila Odinga. ODM is one of the big parties at risk of deregistration with only 26 days remaining to the deadline for complying with the new law. Photo/FILE
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Party at risk of being deregistered as April 30 deadline to abide by new law approaches
ODM and Kanu lead a number of big parties at risk of deregistration with only 26 days remaining to the deadline for complying with the new law.
Records at the Registrar of Political Parties show that the smaller outfits have beaten major ones in the race to comply with provisions of the new Political Parties Act.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s Kanu, Water minister Charity Ngilu’s Narc, Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa’s New Ford Kenya, Trade minister Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya and presidential hopeful Paul Muite’s Safina are among the parties that have not complied with the law.
The registrar, Ms Lucy Ndung’u, has ruled out an extension of the April 30 deadline as set by the Political Parties Act.
According to her, out of the 51 political parties in the country, only 16 had by yesterday submitted documents as they seek to comply with the law to be allowed to take part in the next General Election.
Only presidential hopeful Martha Karua’s Narc Kenya has received a compliance certificate.
The PNU Alliance, whose convener is Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi, became the latest party to seek full registration on Monday, joining 15 others that await the registrar’s verdict on their status.
The others that have applied for registration include Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement, Internal Security minister George Saitoti’s PNU, assistant minister Peter Kenneth’s Kenya National Congress and Education PS James ole Kiyapi’s Restore and Build Kenya.
The United Democratic Front Party — which has been associated with youthful first time MPs including Abdikadir Mohammed, Jeremiah Kioni and Kabando wa Kabando — has also presented its papers.
The Labour Party of Kenya, led by Dr Julia Ojiambo and which youthful presidential hopeful Kingwa Kamencu has been identified with, has also submitted its compliance documents. Former Cabinet minister Nicholas Biwott’s National Vision Party has also sought registration ahead of the deadline.
One of the newest parties, Party of Action, led by former Foreign Affairs minister and presidential hopeful Raphael Tuju, also presented its papers last week. (READ Parties rush to beat listing date)
