The Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu on Wednesday, March 29, informed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party that her office declined to register rival parties.
In a letter addressing ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Nderitu explained that the applicant for the new parties did not meet the requirements for the registration of a new political outfit.
Sifuna and ODM Party Chairman John Mbadi on March 24, 2023, complained to the ORPP, noting that the former Kisumu CEC was provoking their political wing.
Former Kisumu Chief Executive Committee Member Thomas Ondijo had applied to have ODM Asili, ODM Mpya and ODM Kamili registered as political parties.
However, Nderitu also informed Owiti that he did not meet the requirement of Section 8 of the Political Parties Act.
“The application was reviewed in line with the Constitution and the Political Parties Act, 2011. This Office subsequently declined the application for reservation of the proposed names because they did not meet the requirements of Section 8 of the PPA," Nderitu stated.
Section 8 (b), (c) of the Political Parties Act bars anyone from registering a political party whose abbreviation is similar to an existing political party.
The former Kisumu Executive Executive Committee Member wrote to ORPP in March 2023, requesting name reservations for the three suggested political outfits.
While addressing Sifuna and his ODM Party leadership, Nderitu noted that her office will therefore not reserve the names of ODM Asili, ODM Mpya and ODM Kamili as part of the registration process.
“Reference to your letter received on 23rd March 2023 objecting to the application for the reservation of name received in this office on 13th March 2023,” Nderitu stated.
Owiti served as Committee Executive in Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o's first administration.
Odinga is facing internal revolt within his Orange party after a section of Members of Parliament from the region declared their support for President William Ruto's government.
Among the leaders who are working with the ruling regime are Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo) Phelix Odiwour AKA Jalang'o (Langata) and Mark Nyamita (Uriri).
In what pundits see as scheme by Ruto to cut Odinga to size, the President appointed a host of leaders from Nyanza to his government, including ICT CS Elidu Owalo and Trade CAS Evans Kidero.
