Chaos at Mombasa meeting of Political Parties Liaison Committee

Police escort Maendeleo Development Party official Hamisi Mwakhanda from Sai Rock Beach & Spa on May 29, 2015 after a meeting of the Political Parties Liaison Committee turned chaotic. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI |

What you need to know:

  • Some officials claim committee chairperson is in office illegally.
  • Police eject one official from the venue.

Chaos erupted during a Political Parties Liaison Committee meeting in a Mombasa hotel on Friday, halting its second day programme after officials allied to Cord demanded elections.

The committee's session, which was scheduled to start its business at 9 am, turned violent after various party officials opposed to the committee's chairperson Wavinya Ndeti claimed her team is in office illegally.

Police ejected Maendeleo Development Party official Hamisi Mwakhanda after he caused a scene in the boardroom. He was driven away under heavy security in a police vehicle.

Ms Ndeti declared an election carried out by Cord allied parties illegitimate since the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Registrar of Political Parties were absent.

"Let everyone go until they cool down. We will call a meeting in two or three weeks' time for the parties to air their issues," she said.

Ms Ndeti's team, the IEBC and Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung'u left the venue. Those calling for elections, led by nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro, remained behind.

Ms Ndeti, who spoke to journalists at the Sai Rock Beach & Spa, insisted her team is in office legally.

"It his high time people accepted defeat when they are beaten. If we, political parties, cannot accept election results when someone has won, what do you expect from Kenyans during the General Election?" Ms Ndeti asked.

She said more than 42 political parties elected her during a poll in Nairobi on August 28, 2014.

New Ford Kenya organising secretary Benjamin Muema said the legitimacy issue was settled by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.

Ms Ongoro vied for the chairperson's position during the elections last year. Her camp later held another election where she became the chairperson of the Liaison Committee and Kalembe Ndile was elected organising secretary.

The senator said their election was above board, terming the absence of the IEBC and Registrar of Political Parties inconsequential as their role in the process is that of "a strategic partner".