The newly formed Kenya Kwanza coalition bringing together United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya is facing headwinds after the pro-UDA allies plot to challenge the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, now law after it was assented to by President Uhuru Kenyatta in court.
However, it will take effect after it is gazetted.
The ANC camp has expressed support for the new law thrusting them into a collision course their their newly found political partners.
Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja allied to Mudavadi expressed jubilations saying the law is good for all and beneficial to the ANC party.
“We all need it now; after all, what’s good for goose is good for duck” twende,” he said.
Ruto’s allies said they are ready to work with activists to challenge the constitutionality of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill.
Bomet Senator Dr Christopher Langat said the law is discriminatory and the DP’s side will challenge it in court.
“We are set to meet and agree on the nitty-gritty as we build our case so that the moment it is signed into law, we are ready to be in the corridors of justice,” he said.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen noted: “We have passed Political Parties Amendment Bill and effectively given Azimio the rope they wanted to hang themselves. Let no one come back crying to us after the April nominations.”
President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday signed into law the contentious Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, setting the stage for the formation of coalition parties that could field candidates in the August elections.
The Act enables formation of coalition parties whose agreements must be deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties 120 days (four months) to the General election.
Ruto’s brigades describe it as discriminatory and one aimed at shoring up Raila Odinga’s election prospects in the August polls.
They singled out clauses that they say are unconstitutional and usurp the powers of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Clause 22, they argue, gives the Registrar of Political Parties sweeping powers to oversee nominations and provide a certified list of participants thus usurping the powers of the IEBC.
Despite this, the DP’s camp is set to benefit from it as it crafts an alliance with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetangula.
The trio are working on a coalition agreement that could see them field a joint presidential candidate under the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.
However, the second in command has often stated that he is not for the coalition rather politicians should join his party.