Political parties offices turned into M-Pesa outlets, churches

Most political parties do not have offices in at least 24 counties as required by government, Institute for Education in Democracy (IED) has said.

According to a report dubbed ‘From Law to Practice: A Report on the Assessment of Political Parties Adherence to the Law in Kenya’ some political parties’ branches are operated from the branch chairperson’s house, while some party branch leaders operate from the hotels.

The report says that some parties have entered into agreement with M-Pesa agents to ensure their outlets double up as party offices.

The report highlighted financial constraints as the reason the parties gave for non-compliance, with other parties arguing that with the possibility of virtual offices, physical presence is unnecessary.

Speaking during the launch of the report, IED Executive Director Brian Weke said there is need for the government to increase funding for political parties in order to ensure they can roll out their programmes.

Weke further stated that the president should appoint select committee to find the process of recruiting a new registrar of political parties within three months, saying the current registrar is working on an acting capacity.

On his part, Marcus Ageng’a said he would petition to make a ruling on whether political parties are membership clubs or public entities as well as make an interpretation of what a physical office means.

The event was attended by among others, IED Deputy Director Elizabeth Kirema, IED Chair Joyce Majiwa, Karen McKenzie, head of Human Rights at the Common Wealth Foundation Secretariat among others.