Appoint parties registrar, leaders tell Parliament

Political parties have petitioned Parliament to appoint a substantive registrar of parties to help rein in rebel members.

Party administrators argue the absence of a registrar has led to an upsurge in wrangles pitting party leaders and members.

The officials from The National Alliance, United Democratic Forum, Orange Democratic Movement and Ford Kenya claim a majority of party managers were under siege and faced bullying from members.

The mandate of appointing a registrar lies with a select committee to be approved by the National Assembly before appointment by the President.

An initiative to appoint the registrar stalled in the last Parliament.

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties was established through an amendment to the Political Parties Act in the 10th Parliament.

According to Section 33 of the Act, the registrar is responsible for registering political parties, mediating disputes, maintaining party records and administrating the political parties fund.

The current officeholder, Ms Lucy Ndung’u, is an official seconded from the office of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

PARTY INDISCIPLINE
Speaking to Sunday Nation, Mr Onyango Oloo (TNA secretary general), Justus Kizito (UDF), Paul Otuoma (ODM, MP) and Ford Kenya’s vice-chair Felix Minda said the lack of a functional registrar had led to an increase in party indiscipline.

Mr Oloo said a registrar of political parties should be one protected by the law as an acting officer was bound to be arm-twisted.

“A majority of political parties are going through delicate and trying moments right now. We need someone who can make decisions without looking over their shoulder,” said Mr Oloo.

Mr Kizito said the fact that Ms Ndung’u was an acting registrar had limited her ability to discipline errant MPs and senators who are expected to confirm her position.

He said the situation had led to increased party hopping by leaders due to the fact that the current officeholder cannot punish or hold them accountable.

“Ms Ndung’u has been in acting capacity for long and as a result may not have the audacity to rein in errant members of political parties,” Mr Kizito said.

Mr Otuoma, who is also the Funyula MP, said a number of party leaders had abused their mandate and role of managing parties.

“Members must be answerable to their political party. It is time we are brought to book to account for our conduct,” he said.

ALLEGED DISLOYALTY
Mr Minda of Ford Kenya said: “It is high time Parliament compelled the registrar to explain to tax payers exactly what that office is doing despite the present political situation in the country,” said the Kisumu County Ford Kenya Vice Chairman.

He added: “The challenge we face currently is that of test tube politicians who have a problem in managing change.”

The ODM, UDF, and URP parties are embroiled in disputes with rebel members whom they have accused of entertaining rival parties.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ODM is fighting to address a rebellion of young MPs whom it has recalled from House teams for alleged disloyalty.

UDF senator Boni Khalwale has also been at loggerheads with his party leadership who accuse him of violating the party constitution and are pushing for his removal.

The vetting of nominees to a panel that will recruit a new Registrar of Political Parties is pending before a parliamentary committee.