US institution accused of killing Kenya's political parties

By PETER ORENGO

The US based National Democratic Institute (NDI) has been accused of secretly funding some parties, contrary to the Political Parties Act 2007.

The Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) has notified the organization of its intention to file a petition as a formal complaint with an option of seeking legal redress on the matter.

"It has come to our notice that your organization is making a deliberate effort in financing a section of political parties registered in the country, with an intention of technically reducing the number of the parties," said FPK through its chairman Calleb Burudi to the NDI Country Director.

Burudi said NDI has a formal engagement with all the 47 political parties and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), including the Registrar of Political Parties, in regard to the Nakuru Resolutions -on the formation of National Political Parties Liaison Committee (NPPLC).

This resolution was a result of the disputed 2007 General Elections and the subsequent civil strife that cost lives of many Kenyans.

Burudi said, "In line with the Political Parties Act 2007, fair play among political parties is critical and the only way to ensure peace in the country as stipulated in the Kriegler report."　

Keen on peace in elections

He added that Kenyans are keen on peace in elections to come and that is why everyone is interested in the activities of political parties in this regard.

The new political parties act that came into operation in 2008. It seeks to regulate funding in an attempt to deal with improper financing of political parties activities that is likely to promote undemocratic practices.

FPK claims monies gotten through party funding has played a big role in the past electoral skirmishes both from individuals and organizations, and keeping quiet now would be a political risk for the country.

"The realization that your organization is sponsoring the activities of a few selected political parties is undoubtedly undermining the spirit of unity among the parties," said Burudi.

The petition has been copied to the Minister for Justice, National Cohesion Constitutional affairs, Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) Chairman, the Registrar of Political Parties, Attorney general and all Registered Political Parties.

NDI has already pledged to support implementation of the new Constitution and is chaired by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.