Governor Peter Munya against merging of parties, says its undemocratic

Meru Governor Peter Munya

Meru Governor Peter Munya has thrown cold water at the Political Parties (Amendment) Act, signed into law by President Uhuru Kenyatta, recently.

The Council of Governors Chairman said the merger of parties puts Kenya’s democratic system in jeopardy.

He said he would be steadfast in resisting any attempts to return the country to the single-party era, which he said is likely to rob Kenyans the opportunity to elect their leaders. “Merging parties is not a good idea, and denies citizens the right to choose their leaders,” Munya said, adding that it was tantamount to creating dictatorship.

He said his reluctance should not be construed to mean he is opposed to President Kenyatta’s government, adding that he will be supporting the President Uhuru for re-election in 2017. “My decision not to join the new party (Jubilee Party) should not be perceived as a criminal offence,” Munya said.

He also noted that he is implementing a re-branding process of a party in readiness for its official launch. He further revealed that he is working to identify and woo potential supporters for his new outfit.

At the same time, Munya castigated senators for alleging that governors had misappropriated funds, and linked it to the former’s bid to oppose them in the 2017 polls. “It is the ordinary politics from the Senate. Where are the facts? Which counties have misappropriated funds?” he posed, and challenged senators to go to court or the anti-corruption agency.

The Political Parties Act allows political outfits to merge and politicians to switch their allegiance without losing their seats.