Many MPs are scheming to quit major political parties, fearing leaders could lock them out of the general election.
The legislators say the party leaders will take advantage of the far-reaching anti-party hopping law to ensure they do not participate in party nominations and the general election.
Big parties, among them TNA, URP and ODM, ganged up last week to push the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2016. This means aspirants who lose nominations do not join other parties. There was opposition from many MPs.
Politicians unsure of their nomination believe the amendments favour President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka.
“The freedom of association cannot be limited to a particular political party, when there is no guarantee of free and fair play,” Meru Governor Peter Munya said during a funeral at Ntirutu Primary School in Tigania East.
Bomet Governor and founder of Chama Cha Mashinani Isaac Rutto said, “We left Jubilee to escape the first step of being kicked out of a political process by individuals through party nominations. We are now focused on the final lap, where we believe reforms will ensure free and fair elections. We will win.”
Rutto spoke to the Star in his Nairobi office. Experts believe the anti-party hopping law will empower ANC, Kanu, PNU and Chama Cha Mashinani. Political analyst Onyango Oloo said although the legislation is good for the nation, it will not solve the problem now.
“Many small parties coming up are in business and will not help address the issue,” he said. The proposals require parties to conduct nominations 60 days before the general election. This is against a previous proposal for nominations to be done 45 days to the general election.
The legislation also says aspirants must be members of a party for 90 days to run on its ticket. Critics believe the legislation may be used by party leaders during nominations to settle old scores. Munya said the Jubilee merger and internal structures in ODM and Wiper narrow their space, exposing nominations to manipulation by party leaders.
Munya, Rutto, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter and Kuresoi’s Zakayo Cheruiyot said they will not join the Jubilee Party.