Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has refuted claims that his new political party, the National Economic Development Party (NEDP), is a project meant to split votes in certain regions.
Days after his new party was approved, Sonko came out to defend his latest political move, insisting that his new party was born to further his ambitions, rather than being used to divide votes.
"Those who say I'm being used need to stop. I've mentioned this before, and I'll mention it again. I'm a Kenyan, and it is my democratic right to set up a political party," Sonko said.
He added, "I have a constitutional right to have a political party. I want to respect all leaders, but this is not right."
Sonko received the NEDP certificate of registration on Tuesday, December 9, at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, in a move signalling the recovery of his political career.
However, his new party caused ripples on the political scene, with some critics claiming it was nothing but another 'wheelbarrow' meant to scatter votes at the expense of more powerful political vehicles.
Interestingly, critics drew parallels with another fairly new party formed by former Presidential Economic Advisor Moses Kuria, whose Chama cha Kazi party contested in the Mbeere North by-elections.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has since claimed that Moses Kuria's party was used to divide Mount Kenya votes and ultimately weaken opposition candidate Newton Kariuki (popularly known as "Karish") of the Democratic Party (DP). Kuria denied the claims.
"When you think your party is better than everyone else's, that is not democracy. In fact, you are ruining your own chances. We know where the votes are, and we are standing with our own people. So stand with your own people," Sonko went on, without mentioning names.
After Tuesday's clearance, Sonko's NEDP is now fully authorised to field candidates for any elective position in any by-election across the country.
Besides accusations of being a project to split votes, Sonko's new party also faced criticism from Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who argued that allowing the former governor to lead a political party is unconstitutional, given that he has been impeached.
Despite the constitution guaranteeing political freedom in the country, Cherargei clarified that Sonko, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu have no right to lead political parties since they were impeached.
The senator alleged that the Registrar of Political Parties has contravened the chapter on leadership and integrity and should be held accountable.
