By STANDARD REPORTER
Veteran politician Kenneth Matiba is seeking to play a role in the next General Election.
Despite having been missing in action in the political scene for years, the former presidential contender, who at the advent of multiparty politics in the early 1990s enjoyed fanatical following among voters, has been pulling the strings behind the scenes.
A party that has Matiba, a former Kiharu MP, as its party leader is one of the parties that, a few days ago, received full registration under the Political Parties Act, 2011.
Mzalendo Saba Saba party, can now prepare to field candidates in the general election for the presidency, senate, governship, national assembly and women representative seats.
“Though the party leader may not be out there campaigning and holding party meetings, he gives us guidance behind the scenes on how to deal with unfolding political scenarios,” said Mr Kimani Ngunjiri, the party national chairman.
Speaking after receiving the compliance certificate from the Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung’u, Ngunjiri said Matiba remained focused on the liberation struggle for this nation.
“Full implementation of the Constitution and unity of all Kenyans, especially the poor and disadvantaged masses are some of the issues Matiba is passionate about,” Ngunjiri said.
Leadership wrangles
Matiba was a key player in the push for repeal of Section 2(A) of the former Constitution that paved the way for multiparty politics in 1990s, ending a years of one-party rule.
Ngunjiri, a former powerful Nakuru Kanu branch chairman, said the new party was registered after Matiba and the party officials were kicked out of Saba Saba Asili political party following persistent leadership wrangles.
“We have a party membership base of 44,600. We have opened offices in 34 counties so far. That is what enabled us to attain late registration in line with the Political Parties Act,” Ngunjiri said.
