Munya opposes law on party hopping
What you need to know:
- Mr Munya who is the Council of Governors chairman said the proposal drafted by the joint parliamentary committee that is overseeing electoral reforms goes against the tenets of democracy.
- In a veiled attack at the yet-to-be launched Jubilee Party, Mr Munya said the proposed legislation was a ploy aimed at blocking candidates who are not supportive of the new political vehicle.
Meru Governor Peter Munya has opposed a proposed legislation that seeks to end party hopping after losing nominations and threatened to go to court if it is passed.
Mr Munya who is the Council of Governors chairman said the proposal drafted by the joint parliamentary committee that is overseeing electoral reforms goes against the tenets of democracy.
“When you are not assured there will be free and fair nominations within a party, your right cannot be limited by being told you cannot run in another party. That is unacceptable as it goes against the provisions of the constitution.
“If that law is passed, because parliament can pass any sort of law, we will challenge it in court and we will succeed. That proposal targets the heart of democracy and they want to take away that right and we will not accept that,” he said.
In a veiled attack at the yet-to-be launched Jubilee Party, Mr Munya said the proposed legislation was a ploy aimed at blocking candidates who are not supportive of the new political vehicle.
Mr Munya is among those opposed to the merger of parties to join JP.
“They first fold the parties and make it one, then block you so that you can’t seek refuge anywhere else if the nominations are not done properly. That is killing democracy and we are asking them to stop wasting their time with that law. You cannot amend the constitution through the back door,” Mr Munya said.
He spoke on Wednesday at Ntirutu Primary School during the burial of Paul M’Imunya Liria, father to Yudah M’Imunya who is a member of the County Public Service Board.
At the same time, Party of National Unity (PNU) Secretary-General John Okemwa assured party membes and supporters that it will not be dissolved.
Mr Okemwa who had accompanied Governor Munya said they will endorse him as the party leader in a national delegates meeting to be announced soon.
The secretary-general who was flanked by PNU Executive Director John Rukaria and three National Executive Council members said: “Those saying we are joining Jubilee Party are dreaming because our resolve is clear. We will support Munya all the way to 2022.”
