ODM opposes reservation and registration of political parties under similar names
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come out strongly to oppose the reservation and registration of three new political parties under names that closely resemble its own.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, the party objected to the move to reserve the names ODM Mpya, ODM Asili, and ODM Kamili, calling for their dismissal.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Chairman John Mbadi described the move as “offensive” and questioned the motive behind it.
They said the application for the reservation of names not only violated Section 8 of the Political Parties Act but also had a “sinister motive geared at causing confusion within our membership and the public in general on the proper functioning of our Party.”
The controversy arose after Thomas Ondijo Owiti applied for a political name reservation in a letter addressed to Ann Nderitu on March 13.
Owiti stated that he was applying for a Political Party Name Reservation for subsequent registration upon fulfillment of the laid-down processes/procedures and conditions as per the law.
He then suggested three names, ODM MPYA, ODM ASILI, and ODM KAMILI, in order of priority.
In response, the 17-year-old party, urged the political parties registrar to dismiss the applications, citing the need to uphold the law and enhance sanity in political parties’ registration and management.
“To enhance sanity in political parties’ registration and management, we therefore urge your office to uphold the law by dismissing the application for failing to meet the legal threshold,” said the ODM leaders.
The registrar is yet to comment on the matter.