Ford-K to create party leader post

By Peter Atsiaya

Ford-Kenya is set to introduce the post of party leader as part of radical reforms aimed at restoring its lost glory.

The party’s top organ has recommended the creation of the position together with three deputy chairmen.

"The NEC and the strategic planning committee met in Nakuru last month and made the recommendations," said a NEC member Audi Ogada.

Chairman of the party Musikari Kombo said the party would change its constitution to create more posts.

more accommodative

"We are working on changes that would make Ford-K more accommodative and inclusive," said the nominated MP.

He went on: " We are being guided by Ford-K’s principle goal of restoration of democracy".

Kombo said the proposed changes would be presented to party’s National Delegates Conference for adoption.

Mr Ogada added that the leadership positions are supposed to be spread across the region to give Ford-K a national outlook.

He noted that the committee recommended for the scrapping of the Sh2 million mandatory fees for people vying for chairmanship.

The party chairman would no longer be an automatic presidential candidate, according to the recommendations.

elective positions

It was proposed that MPs should be barred from running for elective positions because they abandon their party duties due to pressure of work.

"It was agreed that a reasonable amount be imposed on candidates," said Ogada.

The move would, however, be contested by the MPs who use the party position to win their parliamentary seats.

Ogada said a five-man team had been set up to review the recommendations before coming up with the final document to present to the General Council for discussion.

The council would then present the recommendations to the NDC for adoption.