Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party on Monday dismissed allegations of appointing Dadaab Member of Parliament Farah Maalim to the position of Deputy Party leader.
In a statement, the opposition party accused the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) of publishing the in-house party changes late despite having been informed of such changes in May this year.
According to the party, it was only up to October 4 that ORPP decided to publish the changes, prompting public scrutiny. Wiper in its statement, termed the registrar’s decision to publish the changes late as a gross neglect of duty and a violation of the law.
“Let it be known that the Registrar's office failed to publish our intention in the Kenya Gazette within fourteen days as required by Section 20(1) of the Political Parties Act,” read part of the statement by Wiper Party.
Kalonzo’s party further noted that Maalim whose name was among those forwarded in May for a senior party position was later de-whipped following his controversial sentiments against the youthful protesters.
Wiper also revealed that the process to fully revoke Maalim’s party membership was still in progress despite the latter’s failure to respond to the summons issued to him by the party.
“Once the Disciplinary Committee advises that Hon. Maalim be relieved of his current position, indeed be expelled from the party, the same will require ratification by a special National Delegates Convention (NDC),” Wiper Party noted.
Meanwhile, the party also disclosed that it will be filing a petition against the ORPP following the late publication of the party changes. Wiper said it will pursue all legal avenues available to ensure the rights and those of its members are respected.
"We therefore demand a public explanation by the ORPP, as to the four-month delay in the gazettement of our party officials. We demand to know the reasons she chose to do the same on September 23, 2024, which was then gazetted on October 4, 2024.," the Wiper Party stated.
"We strongly believe that this is not the usual bureaucratic negligence, but a deliberate, indeed intentional obstruction by the ORPP for reasons only known to them. We remain steadfast in our commitment to democracy and justice."
The latest move comes three days after reports emerged that the Wiper Party had reportedly appointed Farah Maalim to be the party's Deputy Leader despite having been expelled from the party's leadership months ago. The reports further suggested that the party also appointed Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo as the party's Deputy National Chairperson.
The reports invoked criticism from a section of Kenyans who questioned the Wiper Party's decision to appoint Maalim over controversial statements he made on Gen Z protestors.
Maalim who has since failed to respond to summons had been invited by the party's disciplinary committee to respond to why he voted in favour of the Finance Bill 2024. He was also expected to shed light on his inflammatory remarks against the Gen Z protesters.
