By Kenfrey Kiberenge
New political parties have emerged to threaten and overshadow old establishments steeped in leadership wrangles.
The new outfits have covered sufficient ground and gained enough clout to pose a serious threat to the big boys where it matters and likely to hurt most: competition for campaign funds from big business.
The scramble for endorsement and support from the business community ha started in earnest G7 leaders (from LEFT) Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Mr William Ruto, Mr Ali Mwakwere, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka and Mr Uhuru Kenyatta stand out for the cameras outside Fairmont the Norfolk Hotel after a recent meeting. [Photo: Wilberforce Okwiri/Standard]
and the cocktail and political breakfast circuit and night meetings are on with high level overtures and lobbying.
Among the new kids on the block to file their returns and received their compliance certificates from the Registrar of Political Parties include the United Democratic Forum Party ( UDF), which has complied in 31 counties compared to ODM's 35 counties for instance.
The buzz around UDF is poised to hit many by surprise with its so - called professionals' caucus - whose membership features some blue chip company CEOs, PSs and youthful parastatal heads, who appeal to the middle class.
Herein lay the nightmare of the old political formations and their leadership who are blamed for ethic polarisation, corruption and impunity. Another surprise emergence was former minister Raphael Tuju's Party of Action that was not only among the first to comply and file returns, but also posted an impressive compliance in 22 counties.
The big boys of PNU fraternity, ODM and Kanu were the main sponsors and backers of new and tough compliance conditions, partly to kill and suppress emerging opponents for regional and national political supremacy.
New realities have dawned on the political scene where big parties who were previously viewed as likely beneficiaries of tough rules and high thresh hold requirements imposed by the new Constitution and the Political Parties Act have become the first victims.
Old political parties and formations have imploded under the twin pressures of infighting for control and supremacy, and how to overcome image cobwebs under the high integrity standards set by Chapter Six of the new Constitution.
Bogged down
