Questions have been raised after former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu was named as the party leader of the Farmers Party, despite being impeached and subsequently banned from holding public office.
In a Gazette notice, the Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, announced changes to the party, including its head offices and leadership at the very top.
Among the significant changes at the party was the switch of party leadership from Irungu Nyakera to Ferdinand Waititu. There were also changes in deputy leadership, with Brian Kigochi being replaced by John Wambugu in the policy and strategy department.
Nicholas Ikui remains the Deputy Party Leader for Resource Mobilisation, while Thomas Omboga also retained his seat as the national chairperson.
In the notice dated February 5, 2025, the Registrar of Political Parties urged anyone with any reservations or complaints about the leadership changes to submit a written submission within seven days of the publication of the Gazette.
The Farmers' Party was founded by one David Nduati, who passed away in 2022 after a short illness. He was subsequently succeeded by former gubernatorial candidate Nyakera in February 2023.
In his acceptance speech, Nyakera expressed his willingness to work with the Kenya Kwanza government, which was at the time deputised by Rigathi Gachagua.
The changes in the party's hierarchy raise questions on whether Waititu should be allowed to hold leadership in a political party, particularly because of the manner in which he lost office.
In 2019, the former Kiambu County boss was impeached after 63 Members of the County Assembly voted in favour of his removal. At the time, Ndenderu MCA Solomon Kinuthia tabled the motion, accusing Waititu of engaging in corrupt dealings, gross misconduct, and abuse of office.
As far as the law is concerned, political parties are not considered state offices, making Waititu's party leader status valid. However, his candidacy for elective positions is still restricted.
Waititu's political predicament became more complicated after the court sentenced him to 12 years in prison or pay a fine of Ksh53.5 million over a KSh588 million corruption case.
Following the ruling on Wednesday, Waititu, together with the convicted persons, had pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, arguing that they had suffered immensely since their arraignment and deserved a second chance.
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