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The new law spells out strict rules on party affiliation/FILE

Kenya

Law change sought to allow MPs party-hop

The new law spells out strict rules on party affiliation/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr, 25, 2012- The Alliance Party of Kenya now wants the Political Parties Act amended to give MPs more time to party-hop.

According to party chairman Titus Ibui, the current law which was enacted last year is harsh as it ties down MPs to their parties even when they are ready to move out.

“We will lobby for the amendment of the act as it does not allow the sitting MPs to move to another party without losing their seats. We have well wishers will pursue the changes,” said Ibui after his party received its registration certificate.

The Act which commenced operation in November 2011 prohibits a person from belonging to more than one political party.

Article 14(5) provides that: “A person who, while being a member of a political party forms another political party, joins in the formation of another political party, joins another political party, in any way or manner, publicly advocates for the formation of another political party; or promotes the ideology, interests or policies of another political party shall, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) or the provisions of any other written law, be deemed to have resigned from the previous political party.”

Kangundo MP Johnson Muthama who is one of the alliance’s co-coordinators assured that the party will bring together Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Internal Security minister George Saitoti together with other like-minded leaders.

“We want to move away from the era where people joined or supported parties because of personalities we want to have parties that reflect the aspirations of Kenyans,” insisted Muthama.

Meanwhile, more parties continued to receive their certificates of registration after the registrar’s office certified their compliance.

The Orange Democratic Movement, the Alliance party of Kenya formerly PNU Alliance and the Democratic Party joined the list of parties confirmed for full registration currently standing at 13.

The Party of Action on which former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju intends to vie for the presidency as well as the Kenya National Congress led by Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth also received their certificates.

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Henry Kosgey affirmed that he was firmly in ODM, which he said was the only one with a national outlook.

“ODM is currently in 42 counties and we plan to register members more members in the remaining five counties by the end of the month,” he said adding the party belonged to all Kenyans.

The ODM chairman challenged Kenyans especially the youth to vote in leaders who are committed to the well being of Kenya saying such leadership would only be found in ODM.

“Gone are the days when people fought for power just to satisfy their own needs and that of their family members. ODM is ready to provide the leadership that Kenyans have been waiting for, for many years,” said Kosgey.

The MP whose has kept a low profile on party matters while he faced possible trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), maintained that Musalia Mudavadi was still the Deputy Leader of the party as he had not quit.

Political parties have until April 30 to apply for full registration after compliance with the requirements of the political parties act.

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