Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu has declined the application to register a rival ODM Party, citing that the application did not meet the requirements of Section 8 of the Political Parties Act.
The application was made by ex-Kisumu Chief Executive Committee Member Thomas Ondijo Owitti, who had suggested three names for the party – ODM Asili, ODM Mpya, and ODM Kamili.
In a letter addressed to the ODM Secretary-General, Nderitu explained that her office had declined the request to reserve the names, as they did not meet the requirements of the Political Parties Act.
“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 said in her letter dated March 28.
“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.”
Section 8 (b), (c) of the Political Parties Act prohibits registration of parties with an abbreviation of another political outfit or nearly resembles the name or symbol.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Chairman John Mbadi wrote to the Registrar’s office describing the move as “offensive” and questioned its motive.
They claimed that 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 confusing within our membership and the public in general on the proper functioning of our Party.”
Meanwhile, Owiti had 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. However, his application was turned down by the Registrar’s office.
It remains to be seen whether Owiti will pursue his application further or whether the matter will be laid to rest.